title: Parenting strategies for reducing the risk of childhood depression and anxiety disorders: A Delphi consensus study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Substantial evidence that some modifiable parental factors are associated with childhood depression and anxiety indicates that parents can play a crucial role in the prevention of these disorders in their children. However, more effective translation of research evidence is required.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study employed the Delphi methodology to establish expert consensus on parenting strategies that are important for preventing depression or anxiety disorders in children aged 5-11 years. A literature search identified 289 recommendations for parents. These were presented to a panel of 44 international experts over three survey rounds, who rated their preventive importance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  171 strategies were endorsed as important or essential for preventing childhood depression or anxiety disorders by ≥90% of the panel. These were written into a parenting guidelines document, with 11 subheadings: Establish and maintain a good relationship with your child, Be involved and support increasing autonomy, Encourage supportive relationships, Establish family rules and consequences, Encourage good health habits, Minimise conflict in the home, Help your child to manage emotions, Help your child to set goals and solve problems, Support your child when something is bothering them, Help your child to manage anxiety, and Encourage professional help seeking when needed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study relied on experts from Western countries; hence the strategies identified may not be relevant for all ethnic groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study produced new parenting guidelines that are supported by research evidence and/or international experts, which can now be promoted in Western English-speaking communities to help parents protect their children from depression and anxiety disorders.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Bld 17, 18 Innovation Walk, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: marie.yap@monash.edu.
authors.forename: Marie Bee Hui
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Yap
authors.affiliation: Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fowler
authors.affiliation: Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Reavley
authors.affiliation: Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Anthony Francis
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Jorm
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003697:Delphi Technique; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Emotional problems; Family; Mental disorders; Prevention; Research translation