Do testimonials improve parental perceptions and participation in parenting programmes? results of two studies

Abstract

Despite the effectiveness of parenting interventions in both prevention and intervention with child emotional and behavioural problems, parental participation in evidence-based programmes remains low, limiting the benefit to the population. This research examines a new population parental engagement strategy for parenting programmes using video testimonials via two studies. The first study compared the use of parent versus expert testimonials, against a no testimonial condition on parenting programme evaluations with 70 parents. The second study compared expert testimonials which were framed in a fear or non-fear context, with 73 parents. Results indicated no significant effect of source of testimonial or content of testimonial on parental evaluations of the programme or behavioural outcomes. Trends favoured expert testimonials over parent testimonials. Implications for population level engagement strategies are discussed. © The Author(s) 2011.