Use of an Interactive Laserdisc Parent Training Program with Teenage Parents

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a brief interactive laserdisc parent training program in instructing teenage parents. Previous research supported the effectiveness of this program with parents of adolescents and pre adolescents. Sixty two pregnant or parenting adolescents were assigned to either a control group or to parent training via the interactive laserdisc program plus group discussion. The group discussion was designed to instruct the parents in the appropriate application of the skills taught in the program to toddlers. Compared to the control group, the intervention group scored significantly higher at two month follow-up on measures of parenting knowledge, belief in the effectiveness of adaptive parenting practices over coercive practices, and application of adaptive parenting skills to hypothetical problem situations. This study provides preliminary evidence that this program can be a useful tool in instructing teenage parents.

KEYWORDS:

• Teenage parents
• laserdisc
• parent training