Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The Zurich Study on the social development of children, z-proso, is a longitudinal study of a cohort of 1230 children that started primary school in the City of Zurich in 2003. It is combined with the randomized implementation of a universal parenting skills program (Triple P) and a school-based universal social skills program (PATHS). The programs are combined in a factorial design yielding four treatment conditions. This paper will present results on the impact of the parenting skills program, Triple P, on externalizing child behavior outcomes and possible mediating variables, particularly parenting practices. Triple P was developed my Matthew Sanders (University of Queensland, Australia) and is a multilevel behavioral family intervention based on social learning principles. The Zurich trial consisted of level 4 Triple P, which primarily includes eight parenting seminars delivered in small groups and a series of follow-up phone calls by the instructors. Courses were offered for free at different weekdays and daytimes, and a childcare service was offered to help parents to attend the course. The take-up rate was 31 percent.
Several studies have demonstrated positive effects of Triple P as an indicated prevention program for parents with children with an increased risk of conduct problems. However, little is currently known about the effectiveness of Triple P as a universal prevention program. We assess the effectiveness of Triple P using outcome measures collected at the child, the parent, and the teacher levels.