Evaluating a Virtual Parenting Program for Depressed Parents to Support Children Aged 6-11 With Emotional and Behavioral Challenges Compared to a Standard Program

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new virtual parenting program called Addressing Depression and Positive Parenting Techniques ADAPT for parents experiencing depression who have children aged 6 to 11 with emotional and behavioral difficulties. The study aims to compare the effects of ADAPT with the well-established Incredible Years Parenting Program IYPP on reducing childrens emotional and behavioral problems. The trial is designed as a four-year randomized group treatment study involving 180 caregivers and their children, conducted across multiple mental health centers in Toronto. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two virtual programs. The experimental ADAPT intervention consists of 10 sessions, including one individual session to build rapport and nine group sessions focusing on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and cognitive strategies, alongside behavioral parenting techniques. The control group will receive the 12-session gold-standard IYPP, which aims to enhance parenting skills and problem-solving to manage childrens behavior. Both interventions are delivered virtually over approximately 12 weeks. Throughout the study, participants will complete research assessments before starting treatment, immediately after the program ends, and again six months later. These assessments will measure changes in the childs emotional and behavioral difficulties, as well as parental depression, stress, quality of life, and parenting practices. This comprehensive monitoring will help understand the impact of each parenting program on both children and parents over time.

Optimizing Treatment for Depressed Parents of Children With Emotional and Behavioural Problems