Randomized cluster trial of a parenting program in Chile: Key mediators in the decrease in behavior problems in preschool children

Abstract

Background: Parenting training is a proven strategy for the promotion of positive parenting practices and for the prevention and treatment of behavior problems in children. The processes that explain this efficacy are less clear. The aim of this study was to assess the mediating role of parenting practice modification, encouraged through the implementation of a universal parenting training program, for the decrease of behavior problems in 3- to 6-year-old children. Method: A cluster randomized trial was carried out in 19 educational centers in low and middle socioeconomic areas. A total of 178 families received the program and 154 of them were the control group. The following parenting practices were assessed: positive reinforcement, involvement, inconsistency, unsuitable treatment behaviors and physical punishment, as well as hostility and humiliation behaviors. Parent–child interaction was also assessed using an observational instrument. A multiple mediation analysis was carried out, identifying the indirect effects. Results: Reduction of harsh discipline and physical punishment, and parental inconsistency mediated the effects observed in the reduction of child behavior problems during the program. Conclusion: Within Chilean families, harsh discipline, physical punishment, and parental inconsistency are important aspects to be considered in the implementation of universal parenting training programs.

Family Risk and Externalizing Problems in Chilean Children: Mediation by Harsh Parenting and Emotional Support

“…However, even mild differences in harsh parenting increase the likelihood of EP in Chilean children (Berthelon et al, 2020). In a recent cluster randomized trial of a brief intervention targeting young children's behavior problems in Chile, decreases in harsh discipline and inconsistency promoted increases in children's adaptive behaviors (Cova et al, 2019). Altogether, this suggests that harshness, lower responsiveness from the caregiver, and the ambivalence between warmth and harshness may increase the likelihood of elevated EP levels.…”

Programas de fortalecimiento de prácticas parentales: un aporte a la prevención de conductas externalizantes en preescolares

“…En Chile existe un programa de carácter promocional y preventivo de tipo universal que fue probado en un ensayo clínico aleatorizado por conglomerados con muy buenos resultados: Día a Día UdeC 6,44 (tabla 1). El éxito en términos de disminución de conductas externalizantes de preescolares y de mejoras en prácticas de crianza van en la misma línea de los programas reconocidos por Blueprints con óp-timos niveles de efectividad, altos estándares de calidad y reducción potencial de maltrato infantil 6,[40][41][42][43][44] .…”

Contribuições À Saúde Mental Do Idoso Na Atenção Primária À Saúde: Uma Revisão Integrativa

“…Considera-se potente abordagens no cuidado em grupo, com centralidade na promoção da saúde e saúde mental na APS. Ressalta-se que estratégias nessa direção, valorizam a essência humana, promove escuta, compreensão, fortalecimento de vínculos e laços afetivos entre as pessoas da comunidade e os profissionais (Cova, et al, 2019).…”