Enhancing positive development of children : effects of a multilevel randomized controlled intervention on parenting and child problem behavior

Parent-oriented and school-oriented programs that aim to improve child behavior and mental health are well established, few studies focus on the possibility of additional benefits arising from a combined intervention. This study uses a randomized control trial and assesses whether the combination of two standardized evidence-based intervention programs, Triple P (a self-directed parent-oriented intervention that focuses on strengthening parenting skills) and Fit and Strong for Life (a school-based intervention that focuses on stress management skills for children), was more likely to improve parenting and child behavior compared to either program alone and to a no-treatment control group. Data including pre- and post-test measures, as well as four- month follow-up data, were obtained from 78 teachers and 745 parents. Using linear mixed models, results showed that parents in the self-directed Triple P condition engaged in less negative parenting behavior, more positive parenting strategies, scored lower on...