An online, father-inclusive parenting intervention for reducing child conduct problems: a randomised controlled trial of family man

Background: Parenting interventions are effective for improving child conduct problems (CPs), but online self-directed interventions are required to improve reach and impact. Mothers are the main users of such programmes; fathers show low participation rates despite evidence of increased efficacy when they participate.

Methods: This randomised controlled trial examined the efficacy of Family Man, a brief, self-directed online parenting intervention for fathers and mothers of children with CPs. The intervention involves several innovative design features to maximise the engagement of fathers. Families (N = 103; 102 mothers, 78 fathers) seeking help with managing their 2- to 8-year-old child's CPs were randomly assigned to either the Family Man intervention condition (n = 53) or a 4-week waitlist control group (n = 50). Primary outcomes were frequency and severity of child CPs and secondary outcomes included dysfunctional parenting, parenting efficacy, parenting stress, parental psychological distress, household disorganisation and interparental conflict.

Results: Repeated measures ANOVAs/MANOVAs found that at 4-week post-assessment, parents in the intervention group reported significantly lower levels of child CPs than waitlist. Significant effects for the intervention group relative to waitlist were also found across all secondary outcomes examined. Intervention effects were maintained at 2-month follow-up for the intervention group. Outcomes did not significantly differ for mothers and fathers.

Conclusions: Results support the efficacy of this brief, self-directed online parenting intervention in improving child CPs and a range of parent and family outcomes, both for fathers and mothers. Implications for improving the reach and impact of parenting interventions and increasing father engagement, are discussed.