The Incredible Years Parenting and Child Treatment Programs: A Randomized Controlled Trial in a Child Welfare Setting in Spain

The Effectiveness of Trauma-Informed Parenting Programs for Traumatized Parents and Their Components: A Meta-Analytic Study

Parents who have been exposed to trauma face distinct challenges in parenting that can lead to negative child developmental outcomes and intergenerational transmission of trauma. Parenting programs for traumatized parents seem promising, but the existing evidence on their effectiveness has not yet been synthesized. This study aimed to examine the overall effect of trauma-informed parenting programs on (a) parenting and (b) parental mental health outcomes by conducting two three-level meta-analyses. Moderator analyses were performed to identify whether program components, delivery techniques, and other study and program characteristics were associated with effectiveness. A literature search conducted up to August 2024 yielded 15 studies reporting on 110 effect sizes. Significant overall effects were found of trauma-informed parenting programs on both parenting outcomes (d = 0.75, 95% CIs = [0.09, 1.15], p = .027) and parental mental health outcomes (d = 0.21, 95% CIs = [0.09, 0.32], p < .001). The first meta-analysis on parenting found no significant moderators, while the second meta-analysis on parental mental health indicated that programs emphasizing child disciplining skills yielded smaller effects (d = 0.04) compared to programs without this component (d = 0.31). Programs using modeling techniques yielded larger effects (d = 0.32) compared to programs without (d = 0.14). Larger program effects on parental mental health were also found for programs with longer durations and when individual sessions were used. Thus, evidence supports the effectiveness of trauma-informed parenting programs in improving parenting and reducing parental mental health problems.

The effect of conjoint behavioral consultation on achieving communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder

This study, uniquely designed with tact and mand-modeling procedures presented through the Conjoint Behavioral Consultation (CBC) method, aims to evaluate the effects on the communication skills of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the impact on disruptive behaviors (tantrums) at home. A pilot study with the families of three participants informed the adaptations for the main study, which was implemented with the families of nine participants. The research was conducted using an Embedded Mixed Methods Design, a distinctive approach that allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the outcomes. The primary research design was a single-subject research model with multiple probes across participants' designs, ensuring a thorough and individualized assessment. The study was carried out in both home and clinical settings, involving the participation of special education teachers and families. The findings indicate that the tact and mand-modeling procedures presented through the CBC method significantly improved the children's communication skills and led to substantial reductions in tantrum behaviors. All families indicated that the dependent variables held significant social importance. Significant enhancements were noted in the children's communication skills and social engagements after the intervention. The CBC intervention was determined to be feasible and feasible for families, with no additional expenses accrued. The long-term suitability and usefulness of the product in many environments increased its societal acceptance. This study revealed that the CBC approach had a favorable and reliable effect on academic and behavioral advancement.

Validation and psychometric properties of a brief measure of parental attributions in a sample from Spain

The parental attribution measure (PAM) is an instrument that assesses the attributions made by parents regarding their children's behavior, for both clinical and community samples. This research has aimed at evaluating the psychometric properties of the PAM in a community sample in Spain. Data were analyzed from several samples of fathers and mothers (N1 = 253; N2 = 458, N3 = 711) who reported on their attributions and level of parental stress on the one hand and on their children's emotional insensitivity traits and behavioral problems on the other. The results did not support the original structure proposed but a unidimensional structure consisting of nine items with good psychometric properties and factorial invariance. The 9-item PAM exhibited a positive relationship with callous unemotional traits and behavioral problems in children and with parental stress. This study provides important new insights into the psychometric properties of the PAM in a Spanish sample. It represents a significant advance, since so far there have been no other instruments to use in assessing parental attributions about their children's behavioral problems in Spanish. In short, this research is intended to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PAM in a sample of a community in Spain. The results supported a unidimensional structure composed of a 9-item instrument with good psychometric properties and factorial invariance.

Early Family Experiences, Drug Use, and Psychosocial Adjustment across the Life Span: Is Parental Strictness Always a Protective Factor?

Objective: This study analyzes whether parental strictness, which is shared by authoritative parenting (strictness and warmth) and authoritarian parenting (strictness without warmth) styles, always acts as a main protective factor against drug use and psychosocial maladjustment in children. This conclusion has already been stated in numerous classic studies, though emergent research suggests that there are benefits to parental warmth regardless of whether strictness is present or not. Method: Sample were 2,095 Spanish participants (1,227 females, 58.6%), 581 adolescent children (aged 12-18 years, 27.7%) and 1,514 adult children (72.3%). The measures were the main parenting style dimensions (warmth and strictness), drug use, and a set of indicators of psychosocial adjustment. A 4 × 2 × 4 MANOVA was applied for all outcomes with parenting style, sex, and age as independent variables. Results: Indulgent parenting (warmth without strictness) was related to less drug use than parenting without warmth (authoritarian and neglectful). Additionally, indulgent and authoritative parenting styles were related to better scores on psychosocial adjustment than authoritarian and neglectful styles, although the indulgent parenting was the only style related to the optimal scores being equal or even more effective than the authoritative style. Conclusion: Contrary to classical studies, present findings suggest that it is the parental warmth instead of the parental strictness that seems to be effective in protecting against drug use and psychosocial maladjustment.

Short-term outcomes from a pilot randomized controlled trial evaluating a virtual culturally adapted parenting intervention among Filipino parents of school-age children

BACKGROUND

Filipino youth in the United States have significant behavioral health problems, including high rates of depression and suicidal behavior. Evidence-based parenting groups promote positive parenting practices and improve child behavior, yet few have been implemented online.

OBJECTIVES

This study tested the short-term effects of a culturally adapted hybrid version of the Incredible Years School Age Basic and Advance Programs when delivered online among groups of parents of Filipino children and estimated intervention effect sizes.

METHOD

Forty-nine parents of children aged 8-12 years recruited from schools, clinics, community organizations, and social media were randomly assigned to intervention or a wait-list control group that received literature from the American Academy of Pediatrics' Bright Futures program. The intervention consisted of 12 weekly 2-hr sessions. Parent perceptions of child behavior, parenting practices, and parenting stress as well as child surveys of anxiety and depression symptoms using validated assessments were obtained at baseline and 3-month postintervention follow-up.

RESULTS

Forty parents completed both baseline and follow-up surveys with a mean attendance of 9.35 out of 12 sessions (n = 18). Analysis of covariance comparing 3-month (pre-/postintervention) changes revealed that the program had a statistically significant positive impact on parenting practices (positive verbal discipline, praise and incentives, and clear expectations); parent perceptions of their child's internalizing symptoms; and child-reported anxiety and depression symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Results support the feasibility and potential effectiveness of offering an online evidence-based parenting program to promote positive parenting and decrease child anxiety and depression. This multigenerational approach to mental health prevention could potentially help address the growing mental health epidemic among youth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects over time of parenting interventions to reduce physical and emotional violence against children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Violence against children affects over one billion children globally. International organisations promote parenting interventions as a main strategy to reduce violence against children. Parenting interventions have therefore been implemented rapidly across the globe. Yet, evidence for their longer-term effects remains unclear. We integrated global evidence to estimate effects over time of parenting interventions to reduce physical and emotional violence against children.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched 26 databases and trial registries (14 non-English: Spanish, Chinese, Farsi, Russian, Thai) and conducted an extensive grey literature search up to August 01, 2022. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of parenting interventions based on social learning theory for parents of children aged 2-10 years, without time or context restrictions. We critically appraised studies using Cochrane's Risk of Bias Tool. Data were synthesised using robust variance estimation meta-analyses. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42019141844.

Findings

We screened 44,411 records and included 346 RCTs. Sixty RCTs reported outcomes on physical or emotional violence. Trials were distributed across 22 countries (22% LMICs). Risk of bias was high for various domains. Outcome data ranged from 0 weeks to 2 years after the intervention, and was largely based on parent self-report. Parenting interventions reduced physical and emotional violent parenting behaviours immediately after the intervention (n = 42, k = 59; d = -0.46; 95% CI: -0.59, -0.33), at 1-6 months follow-up (n = 18, k = 31; d = -0.24; 95% CI: -0.37, -0.11) and at 7-24 months follow-up (n = 12, k = 19; d = -0.18; 95% CI: -0.34, -0.02), but effects were smaller over time.

Interpretation

Our findings suggest that parenting interventions can reduce physical and emotional violence against children. Effects are maintained up to 24 months follow-up, but with diminished effect sizes. With global policy interest and imminent importance, research beyond 2 years and how effects can be better sustained over time is urgently needed.

Funding

Student scholarship from the Economic Social Research Council, Clarendon, and Wolfson Isaiah Berlin Fund.