Preventing emotional and behavioural problems: the effectiveness of parenting programmes with children less than 3 years of age

Abstract

It is concluded that this review points to the potential of parenting programmes to improve the emotional and behavioural adjustment of children less than 3 years of age, but that there is insufficient evidence from controlled trials to assess whether the short-term benefit is maintained over time, or the role that such programmes might play in the primary prevention of emotional and behavioural problems. This review points to the need for further primary preventive research on this important public health issue.

A cluster randomised controlled trial and process evaluation of the early years DELTA parenting programme

“…Fostering a strong, good quality parent-child relationship in the very early years -based on a secure attachment relationship (Fonagy, 1998;Bowlby, 1988) -is key to the healthy social, emotional and behavioural development of the child, and to the child forming secure relationships later in life (Barlow et al, 2010;Warren, Huston, Egeland & Sroufe, 1997). Thus, parenting programmes which directly support the parent-child relationship in the early years can be particularly effective in promoting improved child outcomes (Barlow et al, 2010;Barlow, Parsons & Stewart-Brown, 2005;Regalado & Halfon, 2001). Similarly, many programmes aim to improve and support parental psychosocial health (for example, depression, stress, anxiety and confidence), which in turn impacts on child outcomes through improving the parentchild relationship and the effectiveness of parenting (Miller et al, 2011;Barlow et al, 2003;Kaminski, Valle, Filene & Boyle, 2008).…”

Predicting Participation in Group Parenting Education in an Australian Sample: The Role of Attitudes, Norms, and Control Factors

“…Studies have also found that group-based parent programs are more successful in the long term in improving the behavior of children aged 3 to 10 years (Barlow & Stewart-Brown, 2000) compared with individual programs (e.g., Barlow et al, 2005).…”

“…Delivery of parenting programs in a group format is generally preferred by parents and instructors (Einzig, 1999;Goddard et al, 2004) as it has been found to be more cost effective than individual parent training, potentially meeting the needs of large numbers of parents (Barlow et al, 2005).…”

Preventative Behavioral Parent Training: A Preliminary Investigation of Strategies for Preventing At-Risk Children From Developing Later Conduct Problems

“…Thus, primary prevention has the potential of being much more cost-effective than both secondary and tertiary prevention programs. In addition, primary prevention programs have been shown to allow greater ease in transferring behavioral changes from the clinic to the home (Barlow, Parsons, & Stewart-Brown, 2005), addressing many of the generalization concerns that arise in secondary and tertiary prevention programs.…”