Preschool-based program on parenting and child behavior for working parents : cluster RCT

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of an eight-session universal parent training program for working parents using a parallel cluster randomized controlled trial design. The program was facilitated by preschool-based social workers in preschools. Method: Participants included 242 parents of children attending 16 preschools under the Pilot Scheme on Social Work Service for Pre-Primary Institutions, with 150 (seven preschools) randomly allocated to the intervention group and 92 (nine preschools) to the waitlist control group, with no blinding. Participants completed questionnaires on their parenting stress, parenting practices and emotion coaching (primary outcomes), and children's behavior problems (secondary outcomes). The study was registered with the ISRCTN registry (39415). Results: Mixed effects regression analysis (intention-to-treat) with preschool as a random factor indicated a significant decrease in over-reactivity, and an improvement in emotion coaching. Conclusions: The results provided promising research on the effectiveness of a preschool-based parenting program for working parents.