Dissemination of Self-Help Information for Families

Abstract

This “dissemination” study examined the extent to which parents would read child-rearing advice booklets and use them with their children. The advice booklets focused on managing and enhancing family interactions in three potentially difficult situations that occur in everyday family life (e.g., shopping trips, meal-times, household responsibilities). A multiple baseline design was used to assess parent reports of child behavior in all three situations. Improvements in children's behavior during these situations were reported as a function of parents reading and using the advice booklets. This study supports previous research in suggesting that self-help booklets can serve as useful ad effective change agents for many families.