The family check-up with high-risk indigent families: preventing problem behavior by increasing parents' positive behavior support in early childhood

Thomas J Dishion, Daniel Shaw, Arin Connell, Frances Gardner, Chelsea Weaver, Melvin Wilson, Thomas J Dishion, Daniel Shaw, Arin Connell, Frances Gardner, Chelsea Weaver, Melvin Wilson

Abstract

Seven hundred thirty-one income-eligible families in 3 geographical regions who were enrolled in a national food supplement program were screened and randomized to a brief family intervention. At child ages 2 and 3, the intervention group caregivers were offered the Family Check-Up and linked parenting support services. Latent growth models on caregiver reports at child ages 2, 3, and 4 revealed decreased behavior problems when compared with the control group. Intervention effects occurred predominantly among families reporting high levels of problem behavior at child age 2. Families in the intervention condition improved on direct observation measures of caregivers' positive behavior support at child ages 2 and 3; improvements in positive behavior support mediated improvements in children's early problem behavior.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Theoretical framework for the early steps intervention.
Figure 2
Figure 2
An overview of the recruitment, assessment, and randomization protocol.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Mediation model overview: Test of indirect path from treatment to age 3 positive behavior support to slope of problem behavior.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Change from ages 2 through 4 years on the Eyberg measure of child problem behavior (ITT).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Positive behavior support: Stability and intervention effect. Note. P–C = parent-child. *p < .05.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Mediation model: Child Behavior Checklist Externalizing. *p < .05.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Mediation model: Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory. *p < .05.

Source: PubMed

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