Thirty-seven (37) couples experiencing child behavior problems and concurrent marital conflict were randomly
assigned to one of two variants of a group parent training program, either Standard Group Triple P (SGTP;
n=19) or Enhanced Group Triple P (EGTP; n=18). SGTP incorporated 8 sessions (4 group sessions
and 4 telephone consultations) and taught parents to identify the causes of child behaviour problems, promote
children's development, manage misbehavior and plan ahead to prevent child behavior problems in “high
risk” parenting situations. Families in the EGTP condition received SGTP plus 2 additional group sessions
of parent support training that taught partners to support one another to parent as a team. These additional
sessions included information and active skills training in communication skills; giving and receiving
constructive feedback; holding casual conversations; supporting each other when problems occur; holding
problem solving discussions; and improving relationship happiness. There were significant improvements
from pre- to post-intervention for both conditions, on measures of disruptive child behavior, dysfunctional
parenting style, conflict over parenting, relationship satisfaction and communication. No differences,
however, were found between the two conditions, with both the EGTP and the SGTP programs resulting in similar
outcomes. In the main, initial treatment effects for both mothers and fathers were maintained at 3-month
follow-up.