An internet-based parent management training program (Net PAMA) improves parenting outcomes in a multicenter...

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Behavioral Therapy
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Parent management training (PMT) is crucial for addressing child behavioral issues.
• Internet-based interventions offer scalable solutions for PMT.
• Evaluating the efficacy of novel digital PMT programs is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of Net PAMA, an internet-based parent management training program.
• To compare Net PAMA with an enhanced version including online group meetings (Net PAMA+).
• To evaluate the long-term impact of the interventions on parenting practices and child behavior.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial with 290 parents of children aged 6-12.
• Intervention groups: Net PAMA alone, Net PAMA+ (with online group meetings), and wait-list control.
• Outcome measures included Positive Parenting Scale (POPS), Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17), and Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale-IV (SNAP-IV) assessed at multiple time points.

Main Results:

• Both Net PAMA and Net PAMA+ significantly improved positive parenting and reduced child behavior problems compared to the control group.
• Improvements were observed at program completion and two months post-completion.
• No significant differences were found between Net PAMA and Net PAMA+ groups, indicating online group meetings did not add further benefit.

Conclusions:

• Net PAMA is an effective internet-based intervention for enhancing parenting skills and mitigating child behavioral issues.
• The benefits of Net PAMA are sustained for at least two months post-intervention.
• Adding online group meetings to Net PAMA does not yield additional significant improvements.