Toddler Behavior Problems Not Prevented By Parenting Program

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Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Also Included In: Primary Care / General Practice;  Pregnancy / Obstetrics;  Mental Health
Article Date: 05 Feb 2008 - 23:00 PDT

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According to a recent study published by bmj.com, the first universal parenting program designed to prevent early child behavior problems has little impact on the behavior of toddlers.

Twenty percent of children have behavior issues and these can have serious personal, social and economic consequences. It is likely that mental health problems will develop later in life if behavior problems in preschool children are left untreated.

Although it can be effective, prevention that targets high-risk families is of limited reach and may stigmatize populations. To deal with these fears, universal programs offered to all families have been created. These, however, are of uncertain effectiveness.

Researchers from the Victoria, Australia based Center for Community Child Health and Parenting Research Center along with input from maternal and child health nurses designed a parenting program that was delivered by trained, primary care health professionals. The program focused on preventing problems such as defiance and aggression, and it also desired to improve parenting and maternal
mental health.

The study consisted of 733 mothers of 8-month old infants who were randomly selected to be in the program or in usual care from their local maternal and child health center. Researchers surveyed mothers during the study and assessed their mental health when the children reached 18 and 24 months.

Major results include:

• Child behavior and parenting scores were similar between the two groups after 18 months
• Program participants were less likely to report harsh or abusive parenting and unreasonable expectations of child development after 24 months
• No improvement in maternal distress or toddler behavior after 24 months
  

The authors note that the study is unique in that it is the first trial to evaluate such a parenting program involving families from all social backgrounds. They conclude by suggesting that the study's results are inadequate to recommend the parenting program for preventing toddler behavioral problems.

Universal Parenting Program to Prevent Early Childhood
Behavioral Problems: Cluster Randomized Trial
Harriet Hiscock, Jordana K Bayer, Anna Price, Obioha C Ukoumunne, Susan Rogers, Melissa Wake
bmj.com, January 31, 2008
doi:10.1136/bmj.39451.609676.AE

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Written by: Peter M Crosta, MA
Copyright: Medical News Today
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