A cluster randomised controlled trial and process evaluation of the early years DELTA parenting programme. (2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miller, Sarah; Harrison, Helen
• Is Part Of: International journal of educational research. Volume 74(2015)
• Page Start: 49
• Page End: 60
• Publication Date: 2015
• Subjects: Group parenting programme -- Parenting -- Randomised controlled trial -- Parental self-efficacy; Education -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; Curriculum evaluation -- Periodicals; Education -- Periodicals; Program Evaluation -- Periodicals; Éducation -- Évaluation -- Périodiques; Programmes d'études -- Evaluation -- Périodiques; Éducation -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Curriculum evaluation; Education -- Evaluation; Periodicals; 370.72
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijer.2015.09.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-0355

Abstract

Highlights: This RCT evaluated the impact of a group parenting programme on parent outcomes. It was effective in improving some (but not all) domains of parental self-efficacy. There was no effect of the programme on parents' perceptions of social support. The process evaluation highlighted the need for social contact with other parents. The generalisability of the findings is limited by the small sample size. Abstract: This paper reports the results from a cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) and process evaluation of the early years DELTA parenting programme; a six-week, group based intervention. The evaluation was part funded by DELTA and involved 23 primary schools and 334 parents. Results showed that intervention parents reported increased parental self-efficacy in relation to: knowledge of their child's development and needs; self-acceptance as a good parent, and; disciplining and setting boundaries. No change was observed in the remaining outcome areas. Parent interviews indicated a high level of programme satisfaction and the main benefits reflected the outcomes measured by the RCT. This small, robust evaluation is commensurate with other similar research demonstrating the effectiveness and reach of short-term, group-based parenting programmes.