Mechanisms of Change in Population-Based Parenting Interventions for Children and Adolescents

ABSTRACT

Objective

Developing an effective population-level system of evidence-based parenting support capable of shifting (at a population level) rates of child maltreatment and social, emotional, and behavioral problems in children requires an integrated theory of change. This paper presents a systems-contextual model of change and identifies modifiable mechanisms that can potentially explain population-level changes in parenting and child outcomes.

Method

Using the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program as an exemplar of a tiered, multi-level system of evidence-based parenting interventions, we discuss the putative mechanisms of change necessary to produce change in child behavior, parenting, practitioner behavior, and organizational changes to support the sustained implementation of an intervention.

Results

A model of change is proposed that blends theoretical perspectives derived from social learning theory, self-regulation theory, applied behavior analysis, cognitive behavior principles, developmental theory, and principles derived from the fields of public health, implementation science, and economics to explain change in the behavior at the community wide level. Different types of interventions targeting different populations and mechanisms are used to illustrate how sustainable change in child and parent outcomes can be achieved.

Conclusions

Evidence supporting specific mechanisms and moderators of intervention effects are discussed as well as directions for future research on mechanisms.

Disclosure statement

The Triple P—Positive Parenting Program system discussed here is developed and owned by The University of Queensland (UQ). Royalties from the programs are distributed to the Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology and Faculty of Health and Behavioral Sciences at UQ, and contributory authors of published resources. Triple P International (TPI) Pty Ltd is a private company licensed by Uniquest, Pty Ltd, a commercialization company of UQ, to publish and disseminate Triple P and related programs worldwide. The authors of this paper have no share or ownership of TPI. MS and TM are contributory Triple P authors and receive royalties from TPI.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Research Council's Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course (Project ID CE200100025).