Technology-assisted interventions for parents of young children: Emerging practices, current research, and future directions

Abstract

Technology can potentially expand the reach and cut the costs of providing effective, evidence-based interventions. This paper reviews existing publications that describe the application and evaluation of technology-assisted interventions for parents of young children. A broad review of the early childhood literature revealed 48 studies describing technology-assisted parent education and interventions. Across these studies, multiple forms of technology were used, including web-based platforms, discussion forums, mobile devices, and video conferencing. Results are described moving from feasibility and acceptability of technology-based delivery systems to more rigorous evaluations examining their impact on parent and child outcomes. Potential exists for technology to deliver interventions to parents. Limitations are discussed including differential acceptability and elevated attrition associated with internet-only intervention delivery.

Supporting health-related parenting: A scoping review of programs assisted by the Internet and related technologies

“…These programs are in different stages of implementation and validation, which was not assessed in this review. Previous metaanalysis or systematic reviews (Cushing & Steele, 2010;Hall & Bierman, 2015;MacDonell & Prinz, 2016) have already contributed to evaluate the effectiveness of technology-based programs targeting specific conditions, but more research is necessary. An optimistic perspective arises from the meta-analysis carried out by Wantland, Portillo, Holzemer, Slaughter, & McGhee (2004), which found that the use of web-based interventions for adults with chronic conditions showed larger effect sizes than the face-to-face programs in terms of the acquisition of knowledge and behaviour change.…”

“…A recent review on technology-assisted interventions for parents of young children (Hall & Bierman, 2015) identified a wide range of high-level feasibility programs using diversified technology applications. These programs include mostly educational materials and behavioral strategies to promote positive parenting, as well as a variety of objectives, including universal programs and indicated interventions targeting developmental and behavioral problems.…”

Telephone-supported versus self-directed delivery of an online parenting program: Outcomes, mediators and moderators of change

“…For example, a recent consumer preference study (Metzler et al, 2012) found that low intensity, self-directed formats, including television, the internet, and written materials, were rated as the most preferred format for receiving parenting information, over and above more intensive methods such as professional consultations, home visits, and parenting groups. Similarly, a review by Hall and Bierman (2015) found that roughly half of the parents interviewed within various studies reported a preference for accessing advice through the internet (Rothbaum, Martland, & Jannsen, 2008;Walker et al, 2012).…”

“…There are myriad parent-focused websites publicly available that contain educational material, general parenting advice, and in some cases discussion forums to foster peer learning and support (e.g. Na & Chia, 2008;Plantin & Daneback, 2009), and which are generally well-received by parents (Hall & Bierman, 2015). Parents also commonly congregate through social media, such as Facebook, to share parenting ideas, ask for advice, and receive support from others, although the benefits and adverse effects of these practices are still not clear.…”

“…These range from static, informational websites that provide basic education or advice requiring minimal user participation, through to more comprehensive and structured web-based programs which may be self-directed or include some degree of therapist guidance (Barak, Klein, & Proudfoot, 2009). Digital communications including email, real-time chat or videoconferencing may be harnessed for online counselling or 'e-therapy', while online forums have been used to emulate group psychotherapy processes or facilitate peer social support (Hall & Bierman, 2015;Richardson & Simpson, 2015). In addition, emerging technologies such as virtual reality, where users can participate in therapeutic activities through simulated, immersive digital environments, also hold promising potential as new and innovative approaches to psychological treatment (e.g.…”