A mobile application for managing children's behavioral problems: Protocol for the non-randomized pilot study using...

The objective of this article is to describe the protocol for a non-randomized pilot study of a theory-driven mobile parenting intervention designed to enhance parental self-efficacy and reduce children's problem behaviors.

The intervention was developed using the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE) instructional design model. The analysis phase involved a narrative review and application market research to inform the theoretical framework and benchmarking elements. Guided by these findings, the design phase applied Bandura's self-efficacy theory, with behavior change techniques mapped to the four sources of self-efficacy. A beta version will undergo expert validation and small-scale user testing, followed by a non-randomized pilot study with 30 caregivers. Feasibility and possible effectiveness will be evaluated using application usage data, questionnaires, and user interviews.

The analysis phase reviewed 54 studies and 18 parenting-related mobile applications, identifying parental self-efficacy as a central intervention target and highlighting limitations in existing applications. In response, the proposed application was designed to address all four sources of self-efficacy through theory-aligned functions, including behavior tracking, peer support, positive feedback, and personalized education. The development phase is currently underway, and the pilot study is scheduled for May 2026.

This protocol outlines the systematic development of a theory-driven mobile parenting intervention and is expected to inform the feasibility of a self-efficacy-focused digital approach to supporting parents of children with behavioral problems.