Unpacking the Impacts of a Universal Parenting Program on Child Behavior. Issue 2 (8th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Altafim, Elisa Rachel P.; McCoy, Dana C.; Linhares, Maria Beatriz M.
• Is Part Of: Child development. Volume 92:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 626
• Page End: 637
• Publication Date: 2021-01-08
• Subjects: Child development -- Periodicals; Child psychology -- Periodicals; Child Development -- Periodicals; Child Development; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pedicatrics; 305.231
• DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13491
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-3920

Abstract

Abstract : This study examined the theory of change of the ACT Raising Safe Kids parenting program, including whether intervention effects on children's behavior problems were explained by improvements in mothers' reported parenting practices, as well as whether baseline child behavior problems moderated these relations. Adult mothers of 3‐to 8‐year‐old Brazilian children were assigned to the intervention ( n = 97) or control ( n = 46) groups. Results showed that the intervention improved mothers' perceptions of their parenting practices (positive discipline, emotional and behavioral regulation, and communication). Intervention‐induced reductions in children's internalizing and externalizing behavior problems were mediated by improvements in mothers' emotional and behavioral regulation. Program effects were strongest for children with high levels of baseline behavior problems.