Parent Training Program to Increase School Readiness: What Characteristics of Parents, Family and Children Predict Engagement?

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Reference

*Bédard S, Letarte M-J, Lemelin J-P, Laventure M. (2021). Parent Training Program to Increase School Readiness: What Characteristics of Parents, Family and Children Predict Engagement?. Revue de psychoéducation, 50(1), 1-21.

Abstract

Parent training programs (PTP) can prevent problems associated with low school readiness. A major challenge, however, is related to the low engagement of program participants, with almost half not completing them. Nonetheless, parental engagement has an impact on the benefits of PTP on parents and children. This study examines the predictors of all the behavioral components of engagement: attendance, quality of participation, and homework completion. A literature review allowed us to identify that characteristics of parents, children and the family are associated with engagement. However, few studies consider all three components of engagement simultaneously as well as predictors related to the characteristics of parents, children and family. This study aims to identify the predictors of the three components of engagement. The sample consists of 89 parents who participated in the «Incredible Years» and have a preschooler who is at risk because of a low school readiness. The results show that parents who are more satisfied with the program and who have an occupation attend significantly more sessions. Parents who adopt more positive parenting practices before the program, who are satisfied with the program and whose family income is higher show a better quality of participation. Parents from single-parent families are less likely to do their homework. Different avenues of intervention that can promote engagement in a PTP offered in a prevention context are discussed.

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