Evaluation of the Parent Centre's positive parenting skills training programme: a randomised controlled trial
Master Thesis
2015
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
This dissertation is both an assessment of the fidelity, and outcomes, of a parenting programme. The programme is implemented by The Parent Centre, a non-profit organisation (NPO) which provides a range of support services for caregivers of children. The primary audience for this dissertation includes programme stakeholders such as the organisation's director, programme manager and programme facilitators. The programme theory underpinning this intervention was created in collaboration with programme stakeholders and expert opinion. Briefly, this theory assumes that by participating in the parenting programme, caregivers are likely to benefit from learning positive parenting techniques which, when used, will catalyse improvements in the relationship they have with their children, and their children's behaviour. A literature review of similar programmes' effectiveness was conducted to assess its plausibility. This review found evidence which largely supported the programme's theory. This programme theory helped guide the focus of the evaluation. A total of nine evaluation questions were formulated. Two of these aimed to determine whether the programme was implemented with fidelity. The remaining seven aimed to determine the extent to which the programme was effective in improving its intended parent and child outcomes. A range of measures were employed to answer these questions. Implementation fidelity was assessed through asking programme facilitators to complete sessional checklists, collect programme attendance and participant homework checklists for each session. A randomised controlled trial design was used to assess programme outcomes; pre and post-test interviews were conducted in people's homes which utilised a range of measures. The programme was found to be implemented with high levels of fidelity. Despite high levels of engagement also being demonstrated by those who attended, attendance rates were overall quite low. Limited evidence for programme effectiveness was found using both an intention to treat analysis, and after conducting a second analysis which took into consideration a moderator of programme effectiveness i.e., programme attendance. Poor levels of programme attendance, as well as ceiling effects on some measures at pre-test , changes in the control group over time due to control group participants accessing other parenting assistance, reactivity to the questionnaire, and finally having the post-test conducted immediately after the programme was completed , are all factors which likely contributed to one finding limited evidence for programme effectiveness. Despite these factors hindering one's ability to determine programme effectiveness, further analyses are tentatively recommended based on the results that were found. Once participants have been allowed further time to practice programme skills, it is possible that programme effects may be found. Therefore, a long-term follow-up will likely allow one to come to a stronger conclusion regarding programme effectiveness. Finally, a few recommendations are made with regards to programme design, content, delivery and monitoring of outcomes. Continued emphasis on praise, and some coverage of consistent discipline may increase the programme's effectiveness. Keeping group sizes smaller and including only parents of children of the specified ages will help ensure it is relevant to programme participants. Introducing a basic pre and post programme completion questionnaire will allow The Parent Centre to track outcome achievement over time and facilitate an understanding of participant demographics. More recommendations will be able to be made once the one-year follow-up is completed. This dissertation addresses the gaps in the literature regarding parenting programme effectiveness in South Africa, and low and middle-income countries in general.
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Lester, S. 2015. Evaluation of the Parent Centre's positive parenting skills training programme: a randomised controlled trial. University of Cape Town.