Preventive Parent Education for High School Students

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a brief, five-session, preventive, parent education program for high school seniors. The program included behavioral skills training, parenting and child development information, and an effort to modify cognitions about parenting. A placebo group participated in a program covering other aspects of adult living: money management, career selection, and adult relationships. Following the intervention, program participants showed significantly greater knowledge and positive expectations regarding parenting than placebo participants. Providing youngsters with information and skills prior to milestone transitions such as parenthood represents an important endeavor for behavioral psychologists with interests in prevention.