Poster #96 - Efficacy of the Triple P Parenting Program on 0 to 12 Year-old Quebec Children's Behavior

• In Event: Poster Session 17

Abstract

Parenting is a complex task from which several challenges can arise. Research has demonstrated that evidence-based programs are effective, yet these programs represent a small proportion of the programs targeting family and childhood. Triple P is one of the most studied evidence-based programs in that area. Despite the massive body of literature evaluating the effect of Triple P, few studies have looked at the maintenance over time of the effects of the program on children. Additionally, the methodology and small sample size that make up most studies leads to an overestimation of the effects of the program as well as making it impossible to identify the added value of Triple P when compared to the usual services.

This study aims to compare the effects of Triple P positive parenting program levels 3 and 4 to the usual parenting support intervention offered by the Quebec public system, regarding four aspects of the child’s behaviors: emotional symptoms related to internalized problems, externalized behavior, hyperactivity/inattention, and prosocial behavior. This study also aims to verify if there is maintenance of gains over time on the child’s behavior.

This study uses a quasi-experimental prestest-posttest protocol with and active comparison group. 384 parents participated in the study (n Triple P = 291; n comparison = 93) and filled out the French adaptation of the Strenghts and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at pre- and post-test. Parents in the comparison group received the usual intervention provided by the Quebec public system. Intervention dose was measured using the number of sessions received. As for maintenance of gain, it was measured through the SDQ in a follow up online survey. 164 parents of the Triple P group took part in the follow up (2-4 years after the intervention).

Analyses revealed significant interaction effects for conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, as well as prosocial behavior. Regarding clinical changes, emotional symptoms was the only aspect of the children’s behavior that was not significant, meaning the proportion of children who transitioned to normality between pre- and post-test is identical between the two groups. While a marginally significant difference was noted regarding hyperactivity/inattention (p = .059) significant difference was observed regarding conduct problems (p = .003). No clinical change was measured regarding prosocial behavior as all children already displayed normal levels at pre-test. Regarding maintenance of gain, the analysis revealed a significant difference only for conduct problems, which were greater at post-test than at follow-up.

All participants reported improvement in their child’s behavior, but Triple P participants reported greater improvements for 3 of the 4 variables. The long-term follow-up also revealed that the improvements were maintained 2 to 4 years after the intervention. Conduct problems have also significantly improved between post-test and follow-up, suggesting that the improvement on this variable continued after the end of the intervention. Overall, these results show that, from the parents’ point of view, Triple P is particularly effective, both short and long-term. This study helps to further support the efficacy of Triple P, specifically comparing to usual program.

Authors

• Marie-Hélène Gagné, Laval University

• Sarah-Maude Jean, Laval University
  Presenting Author

• Geneviève Piché, Université du Québec en Outaouais

• Liesette Brunson, Université du Québec à Montréal

• Marie-Ève Clément, Université du Québec en Outaouais

• Sylvie Drapeau