A randomized controlled trial evaluating a parenting program designed specifically for grandparents

Abstract

Grandparents providing regular child care to grandchildren contribute to the nurturing environment in which children are raised. This study evaluated the efficacy of a behavioral family intervention designed specifically for grandparents, Grandparent Triple P. Fifty-four grandparents (M=60.89) and 48 parents (M=34.52) participated in the evaluation. Grandparents predominantly provided between 12 and 20h of care per week (64.81%), to a grandchild (62% male) aged between 2 and 9 years (M=4.42). Families were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (intervention or grandparent care-as-usual) and were assessed using a multiple informant approach at three time points (preintervention, postintervention, and six-month follow-up). Relative to the grandparent care-as-usual group, significant short-term improvements were found in the intervention group on grandparent-reported child behavior problems; parenting confidence; grandparent depression, anxiety, stress; and improved relationship with the parent. Parents also reported significant reductions in child behavior problems, despite not participating in the program. Short-term effects were predominantly maintained at six-month follow-up. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.