An Evaluation of the Parents Plus Early Years Programme: A Video-based Early Intervention for Parents of Pre-school Children with Behavioural and Developmental Difficulties

Abstract

This article describes the development of the Parents Plus Early Years Programme (PPEY): a video-based early intervention for parents of pre-school children with behavioural and developmental difficulties. PPEY combines individual parent-child sessions using video feedback with parenting group sessions using video-based teaching over a 12-week period. As well as detailing the research basis, theory and practice of the PPEY, the article describes the results of an initial study of 30 children, with a range of conduct, attention and developmental problems whose parents completed the programme. Results showed a significant drop in conduct problems and hyperactivity as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, decreased parental stress as measured by Parent Stress Scale, and significant gains towards parent-defined goals. In addition, before and after video observation of parent-child interaction showed an increase in positive parent-child attention and a decrease in parent-child instructions, as measured by independent observers. Gains were maintained at 5-month follow-up. The article also includes some initial results of a follow-up qualitative evaluation of parents’ experience after attending the programme.