Stepping Stones Triple P: the theoretical basis and development of an evidence‐based positive parenting program for families with a child who has a disability, Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Informa Healthcare

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Stepping Stones Triple P: the theoretical basis and development of an evidence‐based positive parenting program for families with a child who has a disability

2004, Vol. 29, No. 3 , Pages 265-283 (doi:10.1080/13668250412331285127)

Matthew R Sanders, Trevor G Mazzucchelli and Lisa J Studman 1

¹University of Queensland, Australia

²Disability Services Commission, Western Australia

Correspondence: Matthew, R., Sanders, PhD, Professor of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Queensland, Australia matts@psy.uq.edu.au

1The University of Queensland and the Disability Services Commission in Western Australia are the joint copyright holders of Stepping Stones Triple P.

Stepping Stones Triple P is the first in a series of programs based on the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program that has been specifically designed for families who have a child with a disability. This paper presents the rationale, theoretical foundations, historical development and distinguishing features of the program. The multi‐level intervention adopts a self‐regulation framework in consulting with parents that involves the promotion of parental self‐sufficiency, self‐efficacy, self‐management skills, personal agency and problem‐solving skills. This paper describes the key program design features, intervention techniques, model of clinical consultation, its clinical applicability, and empirical base. The 10‐session individually administered version of the program, known as Standard Stepping Stones Triple P is described and the important role of training, supervision and agency support in disseminating the program is discussed.