Citation

Santini PM, Williams LCA. Child Abuse Negl. 2017; 71: 80-91.

Affiliation

Universidade Federal de São Carlos (Federal University of São Carlos), Department of Psychology, Laprev (The Laboratory for Violence Analysis & Prevention), Rodovia Washington Luís, Km 235 - SP-310, CEP 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: luciacawilliams@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.04.019

PMID

28506540

Abstract

This study evaluated a positive parenting program to Brazilian mothers who used corporal punishment with their children. The intervention was conducted in four agencies serving vulnerable children, and at a home replica laboratory at the University. Mothers who admitted using corporal punishment were randomly assigned between experimental (n=20) and control group (n=20). The program consisted of 12 individual sessions using one unit from Projeto Parceria (Partnership Project), with specific guidelines and materials on positive parenting, followed by observational sessions of mother-child interaction with live coaching and a video feedback session in the lab. The study used an equivalent group experimental design with pre/post-test and follow-up, in randomized controlled trials. Measures involved: Initial Interview; Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) - parent and child versions; Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); observational sessions with a protocol; and a Program Evaluation by participants. Analysis of mixed models for repeated measures revealed significant positive effects on the BDI and SDQ total scores, as well as less Conduct problems and Hyperactivity in SDQ measures from the experimental group mothers, comparing pre with post-test. Observational data also indicated significant improvement in positive interaction from the experimental group mothers at post-test, in comparison with controls. No significant results were found, however, in children's observational measures. Limitations of the study involved using a restricted sample, among others. Implications for future research are suggested.

Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Child abuse; Family violence; Parent training; Psychological intervention; Punishment