title: Parenting training in the community: linking process to outcome.
abstract: This pilot study examines the effectiveness of the Parents Together Community Course(i) (a six week preventative version of the Parents Plus Early Years Programme) in reducing parent-reported behaviour problems in pre-school and school aged children. It also investigates if there is an association between process ratings on a weekly session rating form (WSRF) and client outcome. Thirty-one parents who completed the course filled out pre and post outcome measures (namely the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and a specially designed Client defined Problem and Goals form (CPG)), and a process measure during the course of the group. It was found that 45% of children in the community sample had behavioural problems in the borderline or clinical range, and significant reductions in these problem behaviours and gains towards parent-defined goals were observed following the course. Results also showed a number of correlations between high ratings on the WSRF and positive outcome as measured by the CPG and SDQ indicating a possible link between this process measure and outcomes. This highlights the importance of early community interventions in dealing with childhood behaviour problems and the possible utility of a process measure for identifying contributing factors to change.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland. sarahjanekilroy@gmail.com
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kilroy
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sharry
authors.forename: Catriona
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Flood
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guerin
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016487:Parenting; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires