A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Universal Group Parenting Programme for Parents of Adolescents

Abstract

Scholars and policy makers have repeatedly advocated for the need to adopt a public health approach to supporting parents of adolescents in order to improve family functioning and prevent or reduce rates of adolescent problem behaviours. The aim of the approach is to enhance parenting practices, competencies, and adjustment for all parents, and to promote the well-being of their adolescent at the population level. However, there remain many gaps in the current literature that need to be addressed before moving towards a successful public health approach. These include a lack of evidence-based parenting programmes for parents of adolescents, the lack of adolescent input in parenting intervention research, and finally a lack of social validation on parenting programmes. To justify the need for a public health approach to supporting parents of adolescents, this study aimed to fill gaps in the literature in relation to the efficacy and social validity of parenting programmes for parents of adolescents. A mixed-methods design was utilised to evaluate the impact of a universal group parenting programme designed specifically for parents of adolescents – Group Teen Triple P (GTTP). First, a randomised controlled trial was conducted to examine the efficacy of the programme with 72 families drawn from the community. Data on parent- and adolescentrelated outcomes were collected from parents and adolescents at three time points (pre-, post- , 6-month follow up). The findings demonstrated that GTTP was effective in promoting positive parenting practices, reducing adolescent problem behaviours, and enhancing family functioning. Second, discussion groups were utilised to obtain parents’ and adolescents’ perspectives on the social validity of GTTP. The findings indicated that GTTP was beneficial and of value to parents and adolescents. Collectively, the findings suggest that parenting programmes such as GTTP are effective and socially valid for parents of adolescents. Implications for moving towards a public health approach are discussed in this thesis.