Childrens’ behaviour problems’ and parents’ parenting behaviour changes after participation in a modified multimodal early intervention program “STOP 4–7”

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine reported changes in children’s behaviour after the children, parents and teachers had participated in the modified early intervention program “STOP 4–7”, which has been developed for children 4 to 7 years old. The aim was also to examine if there are changes in the parents’ parenting behaviour, and if there are differences in the degree of behavioural change ratings between the original and modified “STOP 4–7” groups. For purposes of this study 31 children participated in the first group and 48 children in the second group, as well as at least one of the child’s parents and their teacher. Before and after participation in the program, one of the child’s parents and their teacher completed questionnaires about the child’s behaviour. Parents also completed the Ghent Parental Behaviour Scale. Results show that after participation in the program, in both groups there was a decrease in the child’s externalizing behaviour problems, according to both the parents’ and teachers’ report. After participation in the modified program there was an increase in the parents’ report of discipline strategies and material reward ratings.