Abstract
This study evaluated a 6-session group parenting program, Tuning into Kids (TIK), as treatment for young children (aged 4.0–5.11 years) with behavior problems. TIK targets parent emotion socialization
(parent emotion awareness, regulation and emotion coaching skills). Fifty-four parents, recruited via a child behavior clinic,
were randomized into intervention (TIK) or waitlist (clinical treatment as usual). Parents reported emotion awareness/regulation,
emotion coaching, empathy and child behavior (pre-intervention, post-intervention, 6-month follow-up); teachers reported child
behavior and observers rated parent–child emotion coaching and child emotion knowledge (pre-intervention, follow-up). Data
were analyzed using growth curve modeling and ANCOVA. Parents in both conditions reported less emotional dismissiveness and
reduced child behavior problems; in the intervention group, parents also reported greater empathy and had improved observed
emotion coaching skills; their children had greater emotion knowledge and reduced teacher-reported behavior problems. TIK
appears to be a promising addition to treatment for child behavior problems.
(parent emotion awareness, regulation and emotion coaching skills). Fifty-four parents, recruited via a child behavior clinic,
were randomized into intervention (TIK) or waitlist (clinical treatment as usual). Parents reported emotion awareness/regulation,
emotion coaching, empathy and child behavior (pre-intervention, post-intervention, 6-month follow-up); teachers reported child
behavior and observers rated parent–child emotion coaching and child emotion knowledge (pre-intervention, follow-up). Data
were analyzed using growth curve modeling and ANCOVA. Parents in both conditions reported less emotional dismissiveness and
reduced child behavior problems; in the intervention group, parents also reported greater empathy and had improved observed
emotion coaching skills; their children had greater emotion knowledge and reduced teacher-reported behavior problems. TIK
appears to be a promising addition to treatment for child behavior problems.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-18
- DOI 10.1007/s10578-012-0322-1
- Authors
- Sophie S. Havighurst, Mindful: Centre for Training and Research in Developmental Health, University of Melbourne, Building C, 50 Flemington Street, Flemington, Melbourne, VIC 3031, Australia
- Katherine R. Wilson, Mindful: Centre for Training and Research in Developmental Health, University of Melbourne, Building C, 50 Flemington Street, Flemington, Melbourne, VIC 3031, Australia
- Ann E. Harley, Mindful: Centre for Training and Research in Developmental Health, University of Melbourne, Building C, 50 Flemington Street, Flemington, Melbourne, VIC 3031, Australia
- Christiane Kehoe, Mindful: Centre for Training and Research in Developmental Health, University of Melbourne, Building C, 50 Flemington Street, Flemington, Melbourne, VIC 3031, Australia
- Daryl Efron, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Centre for Community Child Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Margot R. Prior, Department of Psychology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Journal Child Psychiatry & Human Development
- Online ISSN 1573-3327
- Print ISSN 0009-398X