One or many? Which and how many parenting variables should be targeted in interventions to reduce children's externalizing behavior?

This research compared the efficacy of two parenting interventions that vary according to the number and the nature of variables in reducing preschoolers' externalizing behavior (EB). The goal was to identify which parenting intervention format (one-variable versus two-variable) caused higher behavioral adjustment in children. The first was a one-variable intervention manipulating parental self-efficacy beliefs. The second was a two-variable intervention manipulating both parents' self-efficacy beliefs and emotion coaching practices. The two interventions shared exactly the same design, consisting of eight parent group sessions. Effect on children's EB and observed behaviors were evaluated through a multi-method assessment at three points (pre-test, post-test and follow-up). The results highlighted that compared to the waitlist condition, the two intervention formats tended to cause a significant reduction in children's EB reported by their parent. However, the one-variable intervention was found to lead to a greater decrease in children's EB at follow-up. The opposite was reported for children's observed behavior, which was improved to a greater extent in the two-variable intervention at post-test and follow-up. The results illustrated that interventions' format cannot be considered as purely interchangeable since their impact on children's behavior modification is different. The results are discussed for their research and clinical implications.

Stimulating parents' self-efficacy beliefs or verbal responsiveness: Which is the best way to decrease children's externalizing behaviors?

This research aimed at determining which of two types of parenting variable, self-efficacy beliefs and verbal responsiveness, cause significant decreases in preschoolers' externalizing behavior - in particular motor activity, non compliance, irritability, aggressiveness and inattention - and to what extent. Two micro-trials were used to achieve this goal. The 45 parents participating were randomly assigned to an 8-week waiting list followed by an 8-week intervention condition focusing on self-efficacy stimulation, or to an 8-week intervention condition focusing on verbal responsiveness stimulation. It can be concluded from the results that the two manipulations were effective in decreasing aggressive behavior and non compliance. However, the improvement of self-efficacy beliefs has an effect on children's externalizing behavior across a slightly larger spectrum than the enhancement of verbal responsiveness since it was also effective in reducing irritability. Neither of the two manipulations resulted in a decrease of attention problems or motor activity. The results are discussed for their research and clinical implications.