The Effectiveness of Parenting Skills Training on Emotional-Behavioral Problems and Parent-Child Relationships

One of the most common problems in children is emotional-behavioral problems that leads to disruptions in academic performance and reduces the efficiency of individuals. In this regard, the role of parenting methods in aggravating or reducing these problems is undeniable. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of parenting skills training on emotional-behavioral problems and parent-child relationship in preschool children.

The research method was quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test with control group. The statistical population consisted of all mothers with preschool children in Shahroud in the academic year of 2017-2018. Using convenient sampling method, 30 mothers were selected and then randomly assigned into two experimental groups (15) and control (15). The experimental group was taught parenting skills in 8 sessions of 90 minutes, while the control group did not receive any training. The instruments used for data collection were Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) (Godman, 2001) and Pentecost-Paternal Relationship Scale (Pianeta, 1994). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance

Findings showed that parenting skills training had a significant effect on reducing emotional and behavioral problems and its components such as attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder, coduct problems, peer problems, and desirable social behaviors. In addition, the present study confirmed the effectiveness of parenting skills training on parent-child relationship and the components of conflict, proximity and dependency (P <0.001).

Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that parenting skills training improve motherschr('39') knowledge of how to communicate positively with their child, how to reinforce positive child behaviors, and how to manage high-risk situations. Therefore, the intervention program used in this study was able to improve the emotional-behavioral problems and the parent-child relationship.