A randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of directive and non-directive parenting programmes as a universal prevention programme
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to compare the effectiveness of directive programmes led by professionals where parents were taught specific parenting knowledge and strategies (Triple P – Positive Parenting Program) and non-directive parenting programmes in the form of mutual-aid support group as a universal prevention programme.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a randomised controlled trial design. Participants included 92 Hong Kong Chinese parents with preschool children recruited from eight kindergartens and a local church. They were randomised into Group Triple P, non-directive group and control group. They completed measures on their perception of child behaviour problems and their parental stress before and after intervention.
Findings
At post-intervention, results indicated significantly greater decrease in child disruptive behaviours among participants in the Triple P group than those in the non-directive group and control group while no significant group difference was found between the latter two groups. No significant difference was found in post-intervention parental stress level among the three groups.
Originality/value
This study provides empirical evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of a directive parenting programme vs a non-directive one.
Keywords
Citation
Chan, S., Leung, C. and Sanders, M. (2016), "A randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of directive and non-directive parenting programmes as a universal prevention programme", Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 38-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCS-08-2014-0038
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
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