Abstract
Objective
This randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of the Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI), a 6-week culturally adapted online positive parenting program for Chinese parents of preschoolers.
Background
Academic-oriented parenting in China may limit children’s opportunities for play-based learning and socioemotional development. While positive parenting programs can enhance parental competencies, culturally adapted programs and evidence from China remain scarce.
Method
A total of 159 parents (93.71% mothers; mean age = 35.33 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 88) or a waitlist control group (n = 71). Parental self-efficacy, responsive behaviors, and children’s socioemotional outcomes were assessed at baseline and postintervention. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate intervention effects.
Results
Compared with the control group, QPI participants showed significant improvements in parental self-efficacy and responsive behaviors. No significant effects were found on children’s socio-emotional outcomes.
Conclusion
QPI improved parental self-efficacy and responsive behaviors within 6 weeks. However, child-level changes may require extended exposure or follow-up to become detectable.
Implications
This study provides evidence from China on the effectiveness of a culturally adapted online positive parenting intervention. Future research should include more diverse samples and adopt more rigorous designs to evaluate long-term effects.