Online programs as tools to improve parenting: A meta-analytic review

Forfatter(e)

Nieuwboer, C. C. Fukkink, R. G. Hermanns, J. M. A.

År

2013

DOI

10.1016/j.childyouth.2013.08.008

Tidsskrift

Children and Youth Services Review

Sider

1823-1829

Kategori(er)

Tiltakstype(r)

Foreldreveiledning/-terapiE-helsetiltak (spill, internett, telefon)

Abstract

Background: A number of parenting programs, aimed at improving parenting competencies, have recently been adapted or designed with the use of online technologies. Although web-based services have been claimed to hold promise for parent support, a meta-analytic review of online parenting interventions is lacking.

Method: A systematic review was undertaken of studies (n = 19), published between 2000 and 2010, that describe parenting programs of which the primary components were delivered online. Seven programs were adaptations of traditional, mostly evidence-based, parenting interventions, using the unique opportunities of internet technology. Twelve studies (with in total 54 outcomes, Ntot parents = 1615 and Ntot children = 740) were included in a meta-analysis.

Results: The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant medium effect across parents outcomes (ES = 0.67; se = 0.25) and child outcomes (ES = 0.42; se = 0.15).

Conclusions: The results of this review show that web-based parenting programs with new technologies offer opportunities for sharing social support, consulting professionals and training parental competencies. The meta-analytic results show that guided and self-guided online interventions can make a significant positive contribution for parents and children. The relation with other meta-analyses in the domains of parent education and web-based interventions is discussed.