A Dutch self-help programme helps parents reduce hyperactive and defiant behaviour in their child, while improving their parenting skills and wellbeing. This is the finding of research by psychologist Suzanne de Jong-Arts. As parents can start the programme straight away and do not need intensive support from a psychologist, it could help ease pressure on youth care services.
Self-help as an accessible alternative
Many children aged between four and twelve display hyperactive or defiant behaviour. For example, they may not listen to their parents or become angry easily. In five to sixteen per cent of all children, this behaviour causes problems in everyday life. This includes children diagnosed with conditions such as ADHD or a behavioural disorder, as well as children without a diagnosis whose behaviour nevertheless causes significant difficulties. Timely support is important for all these children and their parents, to prevent problems at home and at school from escalating.
According to clinical guidelines, parent training is usually the best first step in treatment. In practice, however, such programmes are not always accessible, due to waiting lists or because parents find it difficult to fit an intensive group training programme around their daily lives.
‘My research focuses on the Dutch self-help programme Aan de Slag met Druk en Opstandig Gedrag (Getting to Grips with Hyperactive and Defiant Behaviour). Parents work through the programme independently, using a workbook and an online platform. If needed, they can also receive limited telephone support from a professional, such as a child development practitioner or a mental health practice nurse at their GP surgery,’ explains De Jong-Arts.
Fewer behavioural problems in children
De Jong-Arts explains: ‘Our research has shown that Aan de Slag met Druk en Opstandig Gedrag is effective in reducing behavioural problems in children and improving parents’ parenting skills and wellbeing.
‘The effects were not limited to the short term. They were still evident three months after the programme had ended. Parents were also satisfied with the programme.’
Particularly suitable for less complex difficulties
The research also shows that not all families benefit from the programme to the same extent. The programme proved more effective for families experiencing less complex difficulties alongside their child’s behavioural problems than for families facing more serious problems.
Telephone support from a professional did not lead to greater improvements in the outcomes measured. However, this support may serve a different purpose. De Jong-Arts explains: ‘Telephone support may have helped parents stay motivated.’
Self-help programme could ease pressure on youth care services
According to De Jong-Arts, the programme could play a complementary role within youth care services. ‘Parents can get started straight away, without waiting for a therapist to become available, and can access limited professional support in the form of telephone guidance if needed. This could ease the burden on professionals, allowing them to focus on families with more complex or severe difficulties.
‘Implementation projects aimed at making the programme more widely available within youth care services are already under way. This highlights the programme’s potential for practical application in the short term.’
Study involving 110 families
Between 2019 and 2021, 110 families took part in the study. They were randomly assigned either to a group that received the programme immediately or to a group that was initially placed on a waiting list.
This made it possible to compare the outcomes for those who took part in the programme with those who did not. The group receiving the programme was then further divided into two groups: one received telephone support from a professional, while the other did not.
On four occasions, parents completed questionnaires covering topics including their child’s behaviour and their parenting practices. At each of these time points, parents were also contacted by telephone on four consecutive days and asked about their child’s behaviour that day.
Statistical analyses were then used to examine whether the programme was effective, how it worked and which families benefited most.
Relevant to the debate on access to youth care services
The findings contribute to the wider public debate about access to youth care services and the need for accessible, scalable forms of support. These approaches can complement traditional face-to-face treatment without necessarily compromising the effectiveness of the help provided.