Web-Based Single-Session Intervention for Parenting: Efficacy and Predictors

Abstract Background : Multi-week web-based interventions and in-person single-session interventions (SSIs) have been found to be effective approaches to improving parenting practices in families of children with behavioral and mental health challenges. However, less is known about how well single-session webinars can impact parenting. Additionally, data regarding potential predictors that affect the effectiveness of parenting interventions have been largely inconclusive and conflicting. Objective : This study aims to examine the effectiveness of a 1-hour web-based SSI for parenting child behavior problems and explore possible predictors. Method : 100 parents of children aged 3 to 12 years were recruited from the community. They completed self-report measures on parenting, child behavior problems, and demographics before, and 4 weeks after, watching the webinar. Paired samples t-tests were conducted to evaluate pre-post differences, while correlations and linear and multiple regressions were used to evaluate predictors. Results : There were significant improvements in parenting confidence in managing daily child behaviors, parenting skills, and child problem behaviors after parents watched the web-based SSI. Parents who had greater improvements post-treatment were those who spent less years in Canada, those in single-parent households, those with younger children, and those whose children had less severe behavioral problems pre-treatment. Conclusions : The results of this study have implications for developing, enhancing, and targeting mental health resources to maximize access and benefit for families. Future studies should aim to utilize more objective measures of outcomes and include a control group to better assess the causal impact of the treatment.