Parents' perceptions of the value of the Webster-Stratton Parenting Programme: a qualitative study of a general practice based initiative

Abstract

Background: Parenting styles and parent-child relationships are a determinant of emotional and behavioural problems in children. Controlled trials of parenting programmes have been shown to be effective in helping parents of children with clinical levels of behaviour problems, but there is little research on the impact of such programmes in families where children's development falls in the 'normal' range. Also, such trials do not shed light on why or how programmes do, or do not, work, or how they might be improved.

Methods: A qualitative study of the impact of the Webster-Stratton 'Parents and Children Series' programme on participants in a controlled trial of this programme, whose children's behaviour was below average, but, for the majority, in the normal range. Data were gathered in interviews, open-ended questions on a questionnaire and tape recordings of group leader supervision sessions.

Results: Parents reported increased confidence, better relationships with their children, successful use of new behaviour management techniques and improvements in their children's behaviour as a result of the programme. One parent found the programme unsuitable because she was already using the techniques that were taught, and another parent felt the programme was designed for parents of younger children. Many parents reported that additional sessions would have been useful to consolidate what they had learnt, and some parents felt the course would have been more effective if their partners had attended.

Conclusions: The Webster-Stratton Parenting Programme is useful for parents of 'normal' children as well as for parents of children whose behaviour is in the clinical range. Follow-up sessions and attendance by both parents might increase effectiveness. The findings of this study suggest greater benefits to parents and children than were apparent in the controlled trial.