Efficacy of brief online parent management training for parents of children with externalizing behavior problems: a...

Online-delivered parent management training (PMT) has been shown to effectively improve parenting strategies and reduce externalizing behavior problems (EBPs) in children. However, most existing programs are extensive and primarily target families with moderate to severe difficulties, leaving few accessible and cost-effective options for those with mild to moderate problems. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of BIP SAMBA, a brief online-delivered and therapist-guided PMT program developed for parents of children with mild to moderate EBPs. A community sample of parents of N = 30 children aged 5-10 were randomly assigned (1:1) to either BIP SAMBA or to a waitlist control condition. Parents in the intervention group reported significantly greater reduction of EBPs compared to the waitlist group (b = 19.02, ƒ² = 0.29, p = .013), reflecting a moderate effect size. Parents in the intervention group also developed more involvement in their children's everyday activities. Program adherence was high with 93% of participants completing all core modules. Gains were maintained or had continued to improve at the 1-month follow-up. These findings suggest that BIP SAMBA could be a promising early-stage intervention for families with less severe forms of EBPs. The trial was pre-registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04670185).