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The longer term experiences of parent training: a qualitative analysis
Author(s) -
Furlong M.,
McGilloway S.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
child: care, health and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.832
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1365-2214
pISSN - 0305-1862
DOI - 10.1111/cch.12195
Subject(s) - disadvantaged , psychological resilience , intervention (counseling) , psychology , randomized controlled trial , positive parenting , parent training , developmental psychology , qualitative research , social support , clinical psychology , parenting skills , grounded theory , medicine , social psychology , psychiatry , social science , surgery , sociology , political science , law
Background Child conduct problems are a major public health priority. Group‐based parenting programmes are popular in addressing such problems, but evidence for their longer‐term effectiveness is limited. Moreover, process evaluations are rare and little is understood about the key facilitative and inhibitive factors associated with maintaining outcomes in the longer term. Method This study involved the use of qualitative methods as part of a larger process evaluation to explore the longer‐term experiences of parents who participated in a randomized controlled trial ( RCT ) of the I ncredible Y ears P arenting P rogramme ( IYPP ) in disadvantaged settings in I reland. A series of one‐to‐one in‐depth interviews was conducted with parents at 12‐ ( n = 20) and 18‐month follow‐up ( n = 8) and analysed using constructivist grounded theory. Results Most parents reported positive child behaviour despite several challenges, but a substantial subset reported periods of relapse in positive outcomes. A relapse in child behaviour was linked to relinquishing skills in stressful times, the negative influence of an unsupportive environment, and the perceived ineffectiveness of parenting skills. Resilience in implementing skills despite adversity, and the utilization of available social supports, were associated with the maintenance of positive outcomes. Conclusions Strengthening resilience and social support capacities may be important factors in maintaining positive longer‐term outcomes. Those who design, research and deliver parenting programmes might consider the possibility of including a relapse‐prevention module and/or the provision of post‐intervention supports for more vulnerable families.