The Earlier the Better? Pausing for Thought …

Barbara Maughan*, Edward D. Barker

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Is earlier intervention always superior? Using two complementary forms of meta-analysis, Gardner and colleagues find no support for the “earlier is better” hypothesis in outcomes of parenting programs for child behavior problems across the 2–11 year age range. This commentary explores possible methodological and substantive reasons for the pattern of their findings. We need additional careful analyses of this kind, assessing age variations in intervention effects across broader age ranges, and in other developmental domains, for strong tests of the “earlier is better” hypothesis. At this stage, however, Gardner et al.'s findings give us some pause for thought.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)20-24
Number of pages5
JournalChild Development
Volume90
Issue number1
Early online date20 Oct 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2019

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