Abstract
Objective: We tested if baseline disruptive child behavior problem severity predicts parental attendance at
sessions of a parenting group program. Method: We used a database of randomized trials of the Incredible
Years parenting program in Europe and restricted the sample to participants randomized to the intervention
arm. Using baseline Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory scores, we distinguished between trial-level problem
severity and child-level problem severity, compared linear and quadratic functional forms at both levels, and
considered cross-level interactions, all in a multilevel Poisson regression framework. Results: Drawing on
918 participants in 12 trials, we found that within trials, parents of children with the least and most severe
problems attended fewer sessions. Between trials, each additional 10-point increase in the Eyberg Child
Behavior Inventory trial mean predicted an 11% increase in attendance. Models including child sex, age, or
family low-income did not change coefficients or their interpretation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest
that although generally attendance is higher in parents of children with more challenging behavior, it seems
difficult for group programs to keep families with the least or most severe problems engaged. Our findings
call for the need to better understand the conditions under which lower attendance translates into equivalent
or lesser program benefits.
sessions of a parenting group program. Method: We used a database of randomized trials of the Incredible
Years parenting program in Europe and restricted the sample to participants randomized to the intervention
arm. Using baseline Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory scores, we distinguished between trial-level problem
severity and child-level problem severity, compared linear and quadratic functional forms at both levels, and
considered cross-level interactions, all in a multilevel Poisson regression framework. Results: Drawing on
918 participants in 12 trials, we found that within trials, parents of children with the least and most severe
problems attended fewer sessions. Between trials, each additional 10-point increase in the Eyberg Child
Behavior Inventory trial mean predicted an 11% increase in attendance. Models including child sex, age, or
family low-income did not change coefficients or their interpretation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest
that although generally attendance is higher in parents of children with more challenging behavior, it seems
difficult for group programs to keep families with the least or most severe problems engaged. Our findings
call for the need to better understand the conditions under which lower attendance translates into equivalent
or lesser program benefits.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 692-697 |
| Journal | Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology |
| Volume | 92 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |