What works in parent training programs for child behavior problems

What is it about?

This encyclopedia chapter reviews evidence‑based parent training interventions designed to reduce children’s behavioral and emotional problems and to strengthen parenting practices. Behavior problems are among the most common psychological concerns in childhood and adolescence, and this chapter highlights how caregivers play a central role in supporting children’s development. The chapter systematically examines 19 well‑established parent training programs, including widely used interventions such as Parent–Child Interaction Therapy, Incredible Years, Triple P, Family Check‑Up, Multisystemic Therapy, and SafeCare. Across programs, the chapter describes each intervention’s goals, target populations, delivery formats, and the strength of the evidence supporting child and parent outcomes. The review draws on randomized controlled trials conducted in the United States and internationally, showing how these programs improve child behavior, parenting skills, and family functioning across diverse contexts.

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Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Why is it important?

With so many parenting programs available, practitioners and policy makers often face “search fatigue” when trying to identify interventions with strong scientific support. This chapter addresses that challenge by organizing and summarizing the best‑supported parent training programs in one place. The chapter demonstrates that, despite differences in structure and intensity, effective parenting interventions share common elements—such as positive reinforcement, consistent discipline, caregiver involvement, and skill‑building—that reliably improve outcomes. Importantly, the chapter highlights that benefits extend beyond child behavior to include improvements in parental mental health, family relationships, academic functioning, and even long‑term social and health outcomes. By synthesizing findings across dozens of trials, the chapter provides a practical roadmap for selecting, implementing, and supporting evidence‑based parenting interventions.