Adolescents with externalizing behaviors are at risk for multiple social and health impairments that may persist into adulthood. Although empirically supported treatments are available for teenagers with severe externalizing behavior and their families, only a few parenting programs have been evaluated for adolescents with subclinical levels of behavior problems. In the present randomized controlled trial (N = 75), we examined the feasibility and efficacy of the Parent-Web, a new Internet-based parenting program for parents of teenagers. Participants reported high satisfaction with the program, 74% completed all five modules and dropout was only 14%. Generalized linear mixed models showed short-term (8 weeks) improvements in parent-reported teenager externalizing behaviors, family conflicts, and family warmth compared to a waitlist control condition. Receiving the Parent-Web was also associated with more improvements in parent-reported teenage emotional symptoms and peer problems, as well as parental stress and depression. No differences regarding parenting behaviors between the two groups were found. Those in the intervention group maintained their posttreatment gains on primary outcomes at the follow-up assessment, 6- to 9-months after the program. Although limited by relying solely on parent report, and by a relatively small sample size, we conclude that our study contributes some preliminary evidence for the utility of supporting parents of adolescents at risk of developing behavior problems through an Internet-based intervention.
Background: In recent decades, parents have been involved in programs that aim to improve parenting style and reduce child behavior problems. Research of preventive parenting programs has shown that these interventions generally have a positive influence on both parents and children. However, to our knowledge there is a gap in the scientific literature when it comes to randomized controlled trials of brief, manual-based structured programs which address general parenting among the population, and focus on promoting health. A four-session universal health promotion parent group program named All Children in Focus was developed. It aims at promoting parental competence and children's positive development with the parent-child relationship as the target. There is currently no randomized controlled trial existing of the program. Methods/Design: A prospective multicenter randomized wait-list controlled trial is being conducted. Approximately 600 parents with children ranging in age from 3-12 years have been recruited in eleven municipalities and city districts in the County of Stockholm, Sweden. Parents are randomized at baseline to an intervention group, which receives the program directly, or to a waiting-list control group, which participates in the program six months later. Changes in parenting and child health and development are assessed with measures immediately post-intervention and six months after the baseline. Observations of a minor group of parents and children are conducted to explore possible relations between parental reports and observed behaviors, as well as changes in the interaction between parent and child. Further, data collected within the evaluation will also be applied to evaluate the possible cost-effectiveness of the program. Discussion: This paper describes a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. Except for the quantitative outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of All Children in Focus, this protocol also describes health economic and qualitative analyses to deepen the knowledge of the program. We further discuss some issues regarding the implementation of the program in municipalities and city districts.Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN70202532
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