The study, conducted with a sample of 126 parents, demonstrated that those who participated in the PPAP experienced large effect sizes in reducing child difficulties and parenting stress. Specifically, post-treatment comparisons revealed a partial eta squared of 0.15 for child difficulties and 0.22 for parenting stress, indicating substantial improvements. Additionally, the positive outcomes were maintained at a six-month follow-up, underscoring the program's lasting impact.
For practitioners, the following strategies can be implemented to leverage the outcomes of the PPAP study:
- Promote Positive Parenting Techniques: Encourage parents to adopt positive communication, active listening, and relationship-building strategies. These techniques have been shown to foster better parent-child relationships and reduce behavioral issues.
- Incorporate Structured Discipline Plans: Educate parents on the importance of consistent and developmentally appropriate discipline strategies. The PPAP's approach of balancing positive parenting with behavior management can be particularly effective.
- Facilitate Goal Setting: Assist parents in setting and working towards specific goals for themselves and their children. The study found significant improvements in goal attainment, which can motivate parents and provide clear benchmarks for progress.
- Offer Community-Based Programs: Advocate for the delivery of parenting programs in community settings, such as schools. This approach can increase accessibility and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help, leading to greater participation and engagement.
Additionally, practitioners should consider conducting further research to evaluate the effectiveness of similar programs in different contexts. This can include exploring the impact on diverse populations, the role of fathers in parenting programs, and the integration of adolescent perspectives. Gathering qualitative data from participants can also provide deeper insights into the program's impact and areas for improvement.
By incorporating the findings from the PPAP study into practice, practitioners can enhance their skills and contribute to better outcomes for adolescents and their families. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Positive parenting: a randomised controlled trial evaluation of the Parents Plus Adolescent Programme in schools.
