Examining Differential Effects of Digital Parent Training for Child Behavior Problems on Maternal and Paternal...

Parent training programs (PTPs) have long been recognized as effective interventions for early onset of child behavior problems, with evidence showing significant improvements in parenting practices and child outcomes. However, little is known about potential differences in treatment outcomes between mothers and fathers. This study examined changes in parenting practices and self-efficacy between mothers and fathers (n = 31 couples).

Couples participated in a 10-week digital parent training program for child behavior problems. Both parents completed measures of parenting practices (Parenting Scale, Alabama Parenting Questionnaire) and self-efficacy (Parenting Tasks Checklist, Me as a Parent Scale) at baseline and post-intervention.

Significant, large-effect-size improvements in most parenting variables were found for both mothers and fathers (p_s ≤ 0.03, η² ≥ 0.15). No significant interaction effects were found between the parent (mother, father) and intervention time (pre, post-intervention) in parenting variables (p ≥ 0.18), indicating similar patterns of improvement. Mothers reported higher levels of positive parenting practices compared to fathers regardless of intervention time (p = 0.01, η² = 0.19). The initial severity of child behavior problems moderated differences between parents in improvements in sense of competence (U = 171.50, p = 0.03), with smaller mother-father gaps observed for families beginning with higher levels of child behavior problems. No other demographic variables moderated parent differences.

Digital delivery format may help promote more equitable benefits for both parents. Further research with larger samples and longer follow-up time is needed to validate these preliminary findings.