Dealing with Childhood Externalizing Behavior: Protocol for a Feasibility RCT of the Being a Parent Program

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Childhood behavior problems are a significant global concern.
• Parenting interventions are effective for externalizing conduct issues.
• Early intervention strategies are crucial for managing behavioral difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Being a Parent program in Portugal.
• To explore the program's effectiveness on childhood behavior problems, parenting skills, parental concern, and sense of competence.
• To establish the program's global applicability and strength.

Main Methods:

• A double-blinded, two-arm feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT).
• Participants: Primary caregivers of children aged 2–11 with behavioral management difficulties.
• Intervention: Eight-week group program (Being a Parent/Ser Pai & Ser Mãe) vs. waitlist control.

Main Results:

• The study will assess feasibility parameters, program fidelity, and acceptability.
• Quantitative and qualitative measures will evaluate changes in behavior problems, parenting skills, and parental well-being.
• This is the first feasibility RCT of the program outside the UK.

Conclusions:

• The findings will inform the global implementation of the Being a Parent program.
• The study will provide insights into challenges and clinical implications for parenting interventions.
• This research contributes to understanding effective strategies for childhood conduct problems.