Effectiveness of the Group-Based Positive Parenting Program with Japanese Families Raising a Child with Developmental Disabilities: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a group-based family intervention program known as the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) with families raising a child with developmental disabilities in Japan. Reductions in children's behavioral problems, changes in dysfunctional parenting practices, and promoting effects on family empowerment were examined. Participants (N=54) were recruited from mothers visiting two hospitals and two parental groups in the Tokyo metropolitan area. They were assessed in terms of child behavior (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), parenting style (Parenting Scale), parenting adjustment (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and Parenting Experience Survey), and family empowerment (Family Empowerment Scale). All outcomes were measured repeatedly from pre-intervention to six months after intervention. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire scores for three sub scales emotional symptoms conduct problems, and difficult behavior indicated a significant intervention effect in the children. Moreover, the Parenting Scale scores for all subscales, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale scores for all subscales, and the Parenting Experience Survey scores for the subscales except for the fulfilling subscale, the perception of agreement with partner regarding child discipline subscale, and the perception of support received from partner subscale, indicated a significant intervention effect in the caregivers. In addition, the Family Empowerment Scale scores for all subscales indicated a significant intervention effect in the family. These results provided promising evidence for the group intervention based Triple Pas an effective intervention program for Japanese families raising preschool and school-aged children with developmental disabilities.