The feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of a brief behavioral parenting group program delivered...

Behavioral parent training (BPT) programs are commonly the first line for addressing early childhood behavioral health concerns and improving parent outcomes (e.g., parenting practices, stress, efficacy). Despite their effectiveness, significant engagement issues exist, and adaptations to its format that increase accessibility are understudied.

A pilot study evaluating a BPT program adapted for accessibility was conducted to inform a future larger trial evaluating intervention moderators. Aims centered on evaluating implementation outcomes (feasibility, acceptability), research feasibility, appropriate measurement selection, and exploring potential moderators guided by the Emotion and Cognitive Control in Parenting Framework.

The study recruited 34 of 51 parents of 3- to 7-year-olds enrolled in this adapted BPT program routinely delivered at a children's hospital behavioral health outpatient clinic. Implementation outcomes, change in child and parent outcomes, and potential moderators were assessed.

Parents endorsed being highly satisfied with the program and attended most (M = 4.35; 72.50%) sessions. Parents reported significant reductions in child behavioral concerns and improvements in their parenting stress, practices, and efficacy.

A BPT program adapted for brief, telehealth delivery was acceptable to parents and replicated observing improvement parent and child outcomes. Research procedures were feasible, and most barriers occurred due to time constraints. Detecting improvement did not yield consistent findings when comparing shorter or longer measures across outcomes. Potential moderators were identified, and power analyses determined a large sample size is required for a future trial evaluating what factors moderate for whom accessible parenting programs provide their intended benefits.