Child ViReal Support Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study for Effective Support of Parents Raising Children...

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) significantly impacts children's functioning and family dynamics.
• Parents of children with ADHD often experience elevated parenting stress, lower self-efficacy, and utilize less optimal parenting styles.
• Existing interventions may not fully address the complex needs of both children with ADHD and their parents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the "Child ViReal Support Program," a multi-level, evidence-based intervention.
• To assess the program's impact on parenting stress, parental self-efficacy, parenting practices, and core ADHD symptoms in children.
• To determine if a comprehensive program can meet the dual demands of children's and parents' needs within the family context.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial with a cross-over design involving 16 families with a child diagnosed with ADHD.
• Families were allocated to two groups: Parent Training and Child Training (PC) or Child Training and Parent Training (CP).
• Standardized assessments including the Parenting Stress Index, Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire, and ADHD Rating Scale-IV were administered at four time points.

Main Results:

• Parents in both groups showed significant reductions in parenting stress following parent training.
• Parental self-efficacy significantly increased, and the use of democratic parenting practices was enhanced.
• Parents reported a notable decrease in their children's inattention and impulsivity/hyperactivity symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Evidence-based, multi-level intervention programs like "Child ViReal Support Program" can yield positive outcomes for both children with ADHD and their parents.
• Comprehensive programs incorporating effective, context-specific methods are crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by families with ADHD.
• Interventions should holistically support families by targeting parental well-being and child symptom management simultaneously.