A Meta-Analysis of Group-Based Parenting Programs for Preschoolers: Exploring Moderation by Participants, Programs, and Time

Group-based parenting programs have been implemented for over 50 years as a cost-effective way to promote child mental health and reduce behavior problems. However, some evidence suggests that their effects are limited and inconsistent. To inform next steps in program development, more systematic examinations about the overall efficacy of programs for both parenting and child outcomes in early childhood is needed as well as the program and family level factors that predict for whom programs work more or less well. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled-trials in preschool aged children over the past 20 years (2000 to 2020). Sixty-five articles evaluating group-based parenting programs for 3 to 5-year-old children were included (N = 7658). Meta-analytic results indicated that programs had small overall effects on improving parenting quality and child behaviours. Significant heterogeneity was present with parent-report of child behaviour outcomes linked to greater effect sizes compared to teacher or observer reports. Moderator analyses showed that higher parental education and children’s clinically significant disruptive behaviour problems were linked to greater improvements in parenting quality. There were also significant effects of publication year on child behaviour outcomes, suggesting that program effects have been improving over time. Other moderator analyses were not possible due to limited reporting of theorized factors (e.g., parent mental health). Overall, group-based programs are linked to improvements in parenting and child outcomes during the preschool age. Continued innovation in program development is recommended to increase efficacy and tailor service type and intensity to specific family needs.