The Holding Hands Project: effectiveness in promoting positive parent–child interactions

Abstract

It is now generally accepted that training parents can be effective in supporting children with behaviour difficulties and given the current climate of decreasing resources there is a strong case for evaluating effectiveness. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a significantly modified version of the standard clinic-based Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (S-PCIT) programme, referred to as the Holding Hands Project.

Thirty parents and their children were assessed at pre- and post-intervention, and of these a total of 25 parents were also assessed at two month follow-up. A significant trend towards a positive development in all of the areas explored was found. Furthermore, an overall significant change in observed children’s behaviour was found between pre-intervention to follow-up.

This study adds to the growing evidence that a well-established clinical programme such as S-PCIT can produce positive outcomes even when it has been significantly modified and “transported” to a UK community setting.

Keywords:

• behaviour difficulties
• parenting programmes
• pre-school
• Parent–Child
• Interaction Therapy
• community programme

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgements

Gratitude and sincere thanks are due to the children and families that agreed to take part in the research and the Senior Children’s Centre Coordinators, Family Support Workers and Educational Psychologists who were instrumental in the development and delivery of the Holding Hands Project. The author sincerely wishes to thank Dr Roger Booker and Dr Allan Sigston, for their supportive and insightful comments.