Parenting Interventions Implementation Science

Abstract

Objectives: This study examines the implementation and effectiveness of Parenting Wisely, an Internet-based parenting skills intervention. The study assesses whether parents benefit from Parenting Wisely participation and whether the delivery format influences program effectiveness. Method: This study uses a quasi-experimental design. Participating parents ( N = 144) come from a rural, impoverished, ethnically diverse county in a Southeastern state. The intervention is delivered via four formats: parents-only intensive workshop, parents-only 5-week group, parent and adolescent 5-week group, and parent and adolescent online format. Results: Findings show an association between Parenting Wisely participation and improvements in family problem solving, family roles, family involvement, parenting self-efficacy, parenting sense of competence, and decreased adolescent violent behavior. Effect sizes vary by delivery format. Conclusion: Positive program effects vary by delivery format and outcome. Practice implications are discussed.