Harnessing the Power of Positive Parenting to Promote Wellbeing of Children, Parents and Communities Over a Lifetime

Abstract

Evidence-based parenting support (EBPS) programs derived from social learning theory, cognitive behavioural principles, and developmental theory are among the most successful innovations in the entire field of psychological intervention. EBPS programs have been at the cutting edge of global dissemination efforts to increase community access to evidence-based parenting programs. Despite the widely recognised success of these efforts, existing models of parenting intervention are not a panacea, and much can be done to improved outcomes. Efforts to improve outcomes have included the emergence of a population-based approach to increase reach of intervention. This has included the development of flexible delivery modalities, including online parenting interventions, the incorporation of strategies to enhance cultural relevance and acceptability of programs, and more recently, applications with parents in very low resource settings. Further enhancements of outcomes are likely to be forthcoming as we gain a better understanding of the mechanisms that explain positive intervention effects and non-response to interventions. More cost-effective online professional training models are needed to disseminate and promote the sustained use of EBPS programs. New interventions are required for the most vulnerable parents when parenting concerns are complicated by other problems such as trauma, addictions, relationship conflict, family violence, mental health problems and intergenerational poverty. However, to scale effective programs, Commonwealth and state government policies and funding priorities need to respond to evidence about what works and make sustained investments in the implementation of parenting programs. Possible strategies to enhance the policy impact of intervention research are discussed.

Family Education and Support Programme: Implementation and Cultural Adaptation in Cape Verde

“…The results found in the present study support other evidence too, showing that the psychoeducational programs are effective in increasing the feeling of parental efficacy (Barlow and Coren 2018;Dekovic et al 2010;Jones and Prinz 2005;Nunes and Ayala-Nunes 2017;Sanders 2019), and emphasise the effect of the FAF's intervention and the extent of one of the objectives proposed by the program, namely strengthening the feeling of confidence when performing a parenting role (Correia et al 2019;Hidalgo et al 2011;Maya and Hidalgo 2016).…”

“…The parental programmes based on evidence stem from social learning theories, cognitive-behavioural principles, and developmental theories. These programmes are among the most successful innovations of intervention in psychology, by improving the parents' effectiveness in how they perform their parental duties and, consequently, improving the well-being of the children (Barlow and Coren 2018;Jiménez et al 2019;Sanders 2019).…”

Parents’ perceived social support and children’s psychological adjustment

“…Considering these aspects seems particularly critical in social work practice and especially in intervention design and decision making. Positive parenting programs that also provide social support to families are among the most successful efforts and are strongly supported by scientific evidence (Prinz, 2016; Sanders, 2019).…”

Caregivers' perspectives on the impact of the Group Triple P‐Positive Parenting Program in Pakistani orphanages

“…Keeping in view the significant impact a parenting/caregiving intervention can have on the psychological and physiological health of children, the Triple P‐Positive Parenting Program is an example of an evidence‐based parenting programme that promotes the use of positive and structured caregiving practices that help parents create and sustain a warm and supportive environment for children's learning and upbringing. It has its roots in the concepts of social learning, cognitive behavioural and self‐regulation theory and helps parents by improving their parenting skills, knowledge and self‐efficacy (Sanders & Mazzucchelli, 2018; Turner et al, 2020). An important aspect of Triple P is that it specifically aims to improve family protective factors, by increasing parental knowledge and skills, and reduce risk factors such as dysfunctional parenting, maltreatment and neglect, which are linked with serious psychological issues in children and youth (Fujiwara et al, 2011).…”