Parenting Skills Outcomes |
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| Family-focused interventions have traditionally been poorly evaluated and disseminated. This study sought to test a theory-based intervention by using a more rigorous research design and a larger sample than have previously been used. This project evaluated Preparing for the Drug FreeYears. This program emphasizes bonding to positive role models. It encourages active involvement in prosocial interactions and activities. It teaches parents effective child management skills including providing rewards for positive behaviors and punishments for violations of prosocial norms. A sample of 175 families participated in this project. They were randomly assigned to receive the intervention or serve as a control group. (Families in the control group were offered the Preparing for the Drug Free Years program after the study was completed.) Outcomes of interest were parenting behaviors that protect against adolescent substance abuse and conduct problems. This included self-reports and observations of the application of specific skills promoted by the program as well as a general assessment of rewards for positive child behavior, child monitoring, and effective discipline. |
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| The program group showed significant improvements on the parenting skills addressed by the program. There was also an improvement in general child management skills among parents who were trained in the program when compared to the control group. This was true for both fathers and mothers. The variables most closely associated with the improving parenting skills were attendance at the program and reported readiness for parenting change. For mothers, self-efficacy, the belief that one could learn and apply good parenting practices, also predicted improved parenting skills. Parenting skills were related to general child management skills. That is, parents who mastered skills specifically taught by the program also tended to have good child management skills generally. Attending the program was related to improving general child management skills, but only for the mothers. Fathers who began the program already being able to use relevant parenting skills benefitted less from the intervention than did fathers who started without these skills. Mothers who attended the course benefitted no matter what level of skill they brought with them when the course started. |
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| Preparing for the Drug Free Years program has the potential to significantly improvement specific as well as general child management parenting skills. The program works to help both mothers and fathers. However, attendance and readiness for parenting change are important factors that can help determine how effective the program will be. It may be important to develop strategies that can improve attendance as part of delivering a parent training program. It may also be wise to develop and provide opportunities to improve motivation to change parenting practices before the program starts. |
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| Spoth, R. Redmond, C. Haggerty, K. and Ward, T. (1995). A controlled parenting skills outcome study examining individual difference and attendance effects. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 57, 449-464. |
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| Researcher's Email Address: rlspoth@iastate.edu |
| Researcher's Home Page: |
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