ParentNCT01845948
Effectiveness of a Parental Training Programme to Enhance Parent-child Relationship and Reduce Harsh Parenting Practices and Parental Stress in the Preparation of Children for Transition to Primary School
A study testing parental training programme in people with Parent, run by The University of Hong Kong at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
This study tested the effectiveness of a parental training programme to enhance parent-child relationship and reduce harsh parenting practices and parental stress in the preparation of children for transition to primary school. A randomized controlled trial was employed and 142 parents were recruited. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Any age
- Conditions the study is for
- Parent
- What is being tested?
- parental training programme
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 142 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- Mar 2009to Dec 2009
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages Any age
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- must be able to read and write Chinese
- must have had primary school education or above
Who cannot join
- with identified cognitive and learning problems were excluded, as also were children with such problems
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effectiveness of a Parental Training Programme to Enhance Parent-child Relationship and Reduce Harsh Parenting Practices and Parental Stress in the Preparation of Children for Transition to Primary School: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tested the effectiveness of a parental training programme to enhance parent-child relationship and reduce harsh parenting practices and parental stress in the preparation of children for transition to primary school. A randomized controlled trial was employed and 142 parents were recruited. Parents in the experimental group engaged in less harsh parenting practices and reported better parent-child relationships than parents in the control group. Findings from this study provide empirical evidence of the effectiveness of the parental training programme and highlight the significance of parental involvement in promoting a smooth transition for children from kindergarten to primary one.
Read the detailed description
Introduction Transition creates a time of vulnerability for the child, the parents and their relationship. Failure to adjust to the transition, on the part of either parents or children, might place the family in a psychological devastating position. There is an imperative need to develop and evaluate appropriate interventions for parents so that they can contribute to helping their children enjoy a smooth passage to a pleasurable learning life in primary school.
Aim The aims of this study were to test the effectiveness of a parental training programme to enhance parent-child relationship and reduce harsh parenting practices and parental stress in the preparation of children for transition to primary school.
Methods A randomized controlled trial, two-group pre-test and repeated post-test, between-subjects design was employed. The method of simple complete randomization was adopted. Recruitment and data collection were conducted during the summer in 2009. Participants were recruited through referrals from the Hong Kong Sheung Kung Hui Welfare Council in Tung Chung. Written consent was obtained from parents after they were told the purposes of the study and agreed to participate. Parents were told that they were under no obligation to participate, could withdraw from the study with impunity at any time and were assured of the confidentiality of the data to be collected.
After they had signed consent forms, a research assistant collected demographic and baseline data from parents. Data collection was divided into three phases: at the time of recruitment (pre-intervention), at six weeks and three months after the intervention. Parents were asked to respond to the Chinese version of the parental acceptance-rejection scale, parental stress scale, and self-report scale on parent-child relationship in respect of the transition from kindergarten to primary school.
- Conditions
- Parent
- Being tested
- parental training programme, Placebo Control
- Keywords
- parents, school transition, parental-child relationship
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
parental training programmeBehavioural
In the experimental group, parents participated in the parental training programme approximately one month before the start of the academic year in primary school. Two social workers, who have minimum five- year experience in giving family counselling,implemented the interventions.
Placebo ControlBehavioural
Parents had no intervention except that an information leaflet for parents on helping children to adapt the new primary school life published by Education Bureau was given to each parent in the control group at the end of data collection.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Placebo Control | Placebo comparator | Parents had no intervention except that an information leaflet for parents on helping children to adapt the new primary school life published by Education Bureau was given to each parent in the control group at the end of data collection. Receives: Behavioral: Placebo Control |
| parental training programme | Experimental | The parental training programme was run in small groups of 8 to 12 parents over four consecutive weeks. They consisted of four group sessions, each lasting about two hours. The major focus of the parental intervention included teaching parents: (1) to use more active listening skills, (2) to engage less in harsh parenting practices, (3) to use more praise and encouragement and (4) to set reasonable expectations in the rearing of their children. Each session was started with revision of skills or concepts discussed in previous sessions, therefore, each session built on the previous session. Receives: Behavioral: parental training programme |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change of Self-reported Parent-Child Relationship at 6 weeks from baseline
The parent-child relationship of the participants was measured by using a self-reporting method consisting of two items, with one asking 'How satisfied are you with the parent-child relationship?" and the other 'As a parent, how satisfied are you with yourself?'
Measured: 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (8)
Self-reported Parent-Child Relationship at baseline
The parent-child relationship of the participants was measured by using a self-reporting method consisting of two items, with one asking 'How satisfied are you with the parent-child relationship?" and the other 'As a parent, how satisfied are you with yourself?'
Measured: baseline, 0 week ( just before the start of intervention)
Change of Self-reported Parent-Child Relationship at 3 months from baseline
The parent-child relationship of the participants was measured by using a self-reporting method consisting of two items, with one asking 'How satisfied are you with the parent-child relationship?" and the other 'As a parent, how satisfied are you with yourself?'
Measured: 3 months
Perceived Parental Aggression Scale at baseline
It measures harsh parenting, i.e. physical or verbal aggression towards children
Measured: baseline, 0 week ( just before the start of intervention)
change of Perceived Parental Aggression Scale at 6 weeks from baseline
It measures harsh parenting, i.e. physical or verbal aggression towards children
Measured: 6 weeks
change of Perceived Parental Aggression Scale at 3 months from baseline
It measures harsh parenting, i.e. physical or verbal aggression towards children
Measured: 3 months
Parental Stress at baseline
we assess a parent's subjective feelings of strain, difficulty and dissatisfaction in reaction to stressors in the parent-child relationship
Measured: baseline, 0 week ( just before the start of intervention)
change of Parental Stress at baseline at 6 weeks from baseline
we assess a parent's subjective feelings of strain, difficulty and dissatisfaction in reaction to stressors in the parent-child relationship
Measured: 6 weeks
change of Parental Stress at baseline at 3 months from baseline
we assess a parent's subjective feelings of strain, difficulty and dissatisfaction in reaction to stressors in the parent-child relationship
Measured: 3 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 May 2013 (estimated)
- Study startMar 2009
- Primary completionSep 2009
- Study completionDec 2009
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for ParentStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by The University of Hong KongThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 142 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The University of Hong Kong
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Dr. LI William Ho Cheung, The University of Hong Kong
- Investigators
- William Ho Cheung Li, PhD, Principal investigator, The School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01845948
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ND789
- Status last verified
- Apr 2013
- First submitted
- 25 Apr 2013
- Last updated
- 3 May 2013
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
Publications
Li HC, Chan SS, Mak YW, Lam TH. Effectiveness of a parental training programme in enhancing the parent-child relationship and reducing harsh parenting practices and parental stress in preparing children for their transition to primary school: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Public Health. 2013 Nov 16;13:1079. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-1079.
PubMed 24237718
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 May 2013. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of a Parental Training Programme to Enhance Parent-child Relationship and Reduce Harsh Parenting Practices and Parental Stress in the Preparation of Children for Transition to Primary School: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01845948
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ND789
- Conditions
- Parent
- Keywords
- parents, school transition, parental-child relationship
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 142 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- The University of Hong KongUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Mar 2009
- Primary completion
- Sep 2009 (actual)
- Study completion
- Dec 2009 (actual)
- First posted
- 3 May 2013 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study tested the effectiveness of a parental training programme to enhance parent-child relationship and reduce harsh parenting practices and parental stress in the preparation of children for transition to primary school. A randomized controlled trial was employed and 142 parents were recruited. Parents in the experimental group engaged in less harsh parenting practices and reported better parent-child relationships than parents in the control group. Findings from this study provide empirical evidence of the effectiveness of the parental training programme and highlight the significance of parental involvement in promoting a smooth transition for children from kindergarten to primary one.
Detailed description
Introduction Transition creates a time of vulnerability for the child, the parents and their relationship. Failure to adjust to the transition, on the part of either parents or children, might place the family in a psychological devastating position. There is an imperative need to develop and evaluate appropriate interventions for parents so that they can contribute to helping their children enjoy a smooth passage to a pleasurable learning life in primary school.
Aim The aims of this study were to test the effectiveness of a parental training programme to enhance parent-child relationship and reduce harsh parenting practices and parental stress in the preparation of children for transition to primary school.
Methods A randomized controlled trial, two-group pre-test and repeated post-test, between-subjects design was employed. The method of simple complete randomization was adopted. Recruitment and data collection were conducted during the summer in 2009. Participants were recruited through referrals from the Hong Kong Sheung Kung Hui Welfare Council in Tung Chung. Written consent was obtained from parents after they were told the purposes of the study and agreed to participate. Parents were told that they were under no obligation to participate, could withdraw from the study with impunity at any time and were assured of the confidentiality of the data to be collected.
After they had signed consent forms, a research assistant collected demographic and baseline data from parents. Data collection was divided into three phases: at the time of recruitment (pre-intervention), at six weeks and three months after the intervention. Parents were asked to respond to the Chinese version of the parental acceptance-rejection scale, parental stress scale, and self-report scale on parent-child relationship in respect of the transition from kindergarten to primary school.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Placebo Control | Placebo comparator | Behavioral: Placebo ControlParents had no intervention except that an information leaflet for parents on helping children to adapt the new primary school life published by Education Bureau was given to each parent in the control group at the end of data collection. |
| parental training programme | Experimental | Behavioral: parental training programmeThe parental training programme was run in small groups of 8 to 12 parents over four consecutive weeks. They consisted of four group sessions, each lasting about two hours. The major focus of the parental intervention included teaching parents: (1) to use more active listening skills, (2) to engage less in harsh parenting practices, (3) to use more praise and encouragement and (4) to set reasonable expectations in the rearing of their children. Each session was started with revision of skills or concepts discussed in previous sessions, therefore, each session built on the previous session. |
Who may qualify
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- must be able to read and write Chinese
- must have had primary school education or above
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- with identified cognitive and learning problems were excluded, as also were children with such problems
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| parental training programmeIn the experimental group, parents participated in the parental training programme approximately one month before the start of the academic year in primary school. Two social workers, who have minimum five- year experience in giving family counselling,implemented the interventions. | Behavioural | parental training programme |
| Placebo ControlParents had no intervention except that an information leaflet for parents on helping children to adapt the new primary school life published by Education Bureau was given to each parent in the control group at the end of data collection. | Behavioural | Placebo Control |
Primary outcome
Change of Self-reported Parent-Child Relationship at 6 weeks from baseline
Time frame: 6 weeks
The parent-child relationship of the participants was measured by using a self-reporting method consisting of two items, with one asking 'How satisfied are you with the parent-child relationship?" and the other 'As a parent, how satisfied are you with yourself?'
8 secondary outcomes
Self-reported Parent-Child Relationship at baseline
Time frame: baseline, 0 week ( just before the start of intervention)
Change of Self-reported Parent-Child Relationship at 3 months from baseline
Time frame: 3 months
Perceived Parental Aggression Scale at baseline
Time frame: baseline, 0 week ( just before the start of intervention)
change of Perceived Parental Aggression Scale at 6 weeks from baseline
Time frame: 6 weeks
change of Perceived Parental Aggression Scale at 3 months from baseline
Time frame: 3 months
Parental Stress at baseline
Time frame: baseline, 0 week ( just before the start of intervention)
change of Parental Stress at baseline at 6 weeks from baseline
Time frame: 6 weeks
change of Parental Stress at baseline at 3 months from baseline
Time frame: 3 months
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 May 2013.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 24237718Li HC, Chan SS, Mak YW, Lam TH. Effectiveness of a parental training programme in enhancing the parent-child relationship and reducing harsh parenting practices and parental stress in preparing children for their transition to primary school: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Public Health. 2013 Nov 16;13:1079. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-1079.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
William Ho Cheung Li, PhD principal investigator
The School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing parental training programme in people with Parent, run by The University of Hong Kong at 1 site in China.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 May 2013. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change of Self-reported Parent-Child Relationship at 6 weeks from baseline (time frame: 6 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT01845948, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 May 2013; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 6 Nov 2026.