Characteristics of evaluation studies of groupbased parenting education programmes. a scoping review

Abstract

We conducted a scoping review of the characteristics of evaluation studies of group-based parent education programmes for parents with children aged zero to eighteen years, extracted from eight databases, between 2006 and 2019, from scientifi c journals. Of the 114 articles reviewed, most were published in North America or Europe, were randomised controlled trials, had small samples (less than 100 subjects), were implemented in school settings and were aimed at parents with children up to six years old or with specifi c educational support needs. A large percentage (49.5%) did not include post-intervention follow-up testing. The number of sessions typically ranged from six to eight (30.2%), with an average duration of two hours and a regularity of one per week. The most evaluated interventions were Triple-P, Incredible Years, Strengthening Families and the Guidance Programme. The contents most addressed were communication, emotions and strategies to manage behaviours. The main variables measured were behavioural problems, parenting practices and parental self-effi cacy. A growing and global interest in the topic analysed was detected, updated data is provided that can be useful to professionals and researchers in the area and guide the design processes of new interventions.