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Using a Behavioural Family Intervention to Produce a Three-Generational Benefit on Family Outcomes: A Case Report

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 November 2013

James N. Kirby  and
Matthew R. Sanders
James N. Kirby*
Affiliation:
Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Matthew R. Sanders
Affiliation:
Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
*
Address for correspondence: James N. Kirby, Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072. E-mail: j.kirby@psy.uq.edu.au
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Abstract

Background: Grandparents have a significant role in providing regular child care to their grandchildren. As such, they are in a unique position to help with the prevention of child disruptive disorders. However, the child-care role grandparents provide can also negatively impact the grandparent-parent relationship. Aims: This case study examined the impact of a parenting program designed specifically for grandparents on a grandparent providing regular child care to her granddaughter. Method: A case study is presented of a 56-year-old grandmother providing between 31–40 hours of care per week to her granddaughter, who is at risk of developing an early onset child disruptive disorder. The grandparent was measured on outcomes of child behaviour; parenting style; parenting confidence; psychological wellbeing in terms of stress, depression, and anxiety; and relationship satisfaction with the parent. The parent was also measured on child behaviour outcomes and relationship satisfaction with the grandparent. Measures were given at baseline, post-intervention, and at 6-month follow-up. Results: The grandparent reported significant reductions in stress, anxiety and depression; improved relationship satisfaction with the parent; and decreased reliance on dysfunctional parenting practices. The parent also reported decreased child behaviour problems and increased relationship satisfaction with the grandparent. No findings were found for parenting confidence. Conclusion: This case study provides encouraging findings for a new parenting program designed specifically for grandparents, and it is recommended that future research evaluate its efficacy in a randomised controlled trial.

Keywords

Grandparentparentbehavioural family interventionTriple P
Type
Standard Papers
Information
Behaviour Change , Volume 30 , Issue 4 , December 2013 , pp. 249 - 261
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Australian Academic Press Pty Ltd 2013 

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