Parent-Child RelationsPiSRCTNCT06874998
Effects of "Parenting in Sweden" on Trust in Social Services
A study testing Structured group discussions and Unstructured group meeting in people with Parent-Child Relations and Immigrant, run by Karolinska Institutet at 1 site in Sweden.
Trial summary
Supporting Parents in a New Country Adjusting to parenthood in a new country presents significant challenges. Many immigrant parents face language barriers, financial difficulties, and cultural differences that can complicate their ability to support their children's adaptation to Swedish society. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Any age
- Conditions the study is for
- Parent-Child Relations, Immigrant
- What is being tested?
- Structured group discussions and Unstructured group meeting
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 200 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSweden
- Study dates
- Sep 2025to Apr 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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
- All parents invited to participate in PiS can take part in the study.
- Eligibility extends to parents born outside of Sweden who have children aged 0 to 17 years.
- There are no restrictions regarding the length of time since their migration to Sweden; i.e., participants may have lived in Sweden for decades prior to joining. - - Literacy is not a requirement for participation.
Who cannot join
- Individuals who are unable, physically or not willing, to sign a consent form will not be eligible to participate in the study.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Effects of "Parenting in Sweden" on Trust in Social Services - a Randomized Controlled Trial
Supporting Parents in a New Country
Adjusting to parenthood in a new country presents significant challenges. Many immigrant parents face language barriers, financial difficulties, and cultural differences that can complicate their ability to support their children's adaptation to Swedish society. These challenges can contribute to increased stress within the family and, in some cases, elevate the risk of child maltreatment-particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. However, research suggests that strong social support and positive parenting strategies can mitigate these risks.
Read more
Sweden, known for its high levels of trust in authorities, has implemented various initiatives to assist families, especially those new to the country. One such initiative is Parenting in Sweden (PiS), a structured program designed to help foreign-born parents navigate Swedish society, understand their rights, and support their children's development. Delivered in five sessions, the program covers key topics such as the Swedish school system, healthcare services, parental rights, and challenges related to raising teenagers.
This study aims to assess whether participation in PiS increase parents' trust in social services. Additionally, it explores whether the program encourages parents to enroll their children in extracurricular activities, which are known to support child development. Another important aspect under investigation is whether the program can help reduce the risk of parents resorting to harsh disciplinary practices.
To evaluate these outcomes, the study follows a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Immigrant parents of children aged 0-17 are invited to participate, with half assigned to complete the full five-session program and the other half (control group) placed on a waiting list, receiving a group meeting to discuss films related to moving to Sweden. All participants will complete surveys assessing their trust in social services, their children's participation in extracurricular activities, and their parenting practices. These surveys will be administered before and after the program, as well as six months later, to track any changes over time.
The primary objective is to determine whether participation in PiS leads to increased trust in social services. Additional expected benefits (exploratory analysis) include promoting positive parenting behaviors, such as seeking help when needed and actively engaging children in structured activities outside of school.
By examining the effectiveness of parental support programs facilitating integration, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how structured interventions can help families navigate life in Sweden. If the program proves successful in fostering trust and encouraging positive parenting, it may have long-term benefits for both parents and children, ultimately supporting their well-being and integration into Swedish society.
- Conditions
- Parent-Child Relations, Immigrant
- Being tested
- Structured group discussions, Unstructured group meeting
- Keywords
- Parental support programs, Parenting, Immigrant parents, Trust in social services, Cultural adaptation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Structured group discussionsBehavioural
Also called Structured parenting support, Structured parenting guidance
A group-based program for immigrant parents of children aged 0-17, providing essential information on key aspects of family life in Sweden. The intervention consists of five weekly three-hour sessions, combining lectures, group discussions, and interactive exercises, led by a trained group leader and, when necessary, an interpreter.
The following topics are discussed:
- Parenting in a New Country - Adapting to cultural changes and supporting children's integration.
- Education \& Child Development - School system, parental involvement, and learning support.
- Healthcare \& Well-being - Access to healthcare, preventive care, and mental health.
- Parents' Rights \& Responsibilities - Child welfare laws, positive discipline, and social services.
- Parenting Teenagers - Navigating adolescence, peer relationships, and risk prevention.
Unstructured group meetingBehavioural
Also called Community Orientation Session, Informational Meeting on Family Life in Sweden
Parents in the control group are asked to participate in a gathering where they will watch two short films from the Swedish Educational Broadcasting Company (UR), followed by a brief discussion. The films have been handpicked by representatives from BRIS and PLUS together with the researchers to create an opportunity for a meeting. The first film "A way in - first meeting" shows a family from Iran living in Sweden for 1,5 years and explores how one can establish a place in society. In the second film "Make new friends" it is illustrated how hard it can be to create a new social context. The intention with the short films is not to give a short version of PiS, but to engage parents in the study and the program so they will complete them.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Parenting in Sweden | Experimental | The intervention group will be given the full program straight after recruitment ("Structured group discussions"). The program consists of five 3-hour sessions once a week. The themes for the five sessions are: Family in a new country, School, girls and boys, Health and health care system, Parents rights and obligations and parenting a teenager. Each session combines lectures and group discussions on topics critical to families adapting to life in Sweden. The sessions are held by a trained group leader and, if needed, interpreters. Receives: Behavioral: Structured group discussions |
| Waitlist | Placebo comparator | The control group will be placed on a waiting list for 6 months ("Unstructured group meeting"). After 6 weeks the control group is offered a session with two short films from the Swedish Educational Broadcasting Company (UR), followed by a brief discussion. The first film explores how one can establish a place in society, the second film illustrates how hard it can be to create a new social context. The intention with the short films is not to give a short version of PiS, but to engage parents in the study and the program so they will complete them. The control group is then offered to participate in the whole program after 6 months. Receives: Behavioral: Unstructured group meeting |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
What are the effects of PiS on the level of trust in social services among parents born outside of Sweden?
The research question will be assessed through the question, "Overall, to what extent do you trust that those who work in Social services (SS) do their job?" ranked on a 5-point Likert scale.
Measured: From enrollment to 6 months after.
Secondary outcomes (3)
How valid and reliable is an adapted government trust scale for measuring trust in social services?
By using an adjusted version of a validated scale for the measure of trust in government, trust in social services will be assessed. The instrument measures on a 5-point Likert scale.
English translation:
- SS can help me feel well.
- SS listen and try to understand what people say.
- SS make decisions that help people.
- SS is wise.
- SS has sufficient knowledge to help me.
- SS does their job well.
- SS does what is best for people.
- If people need help, SS does their best to help them.
- SS makes decisions that help people manage on their own.
- SS does everything to protect people.
- SS cares about how people feel.
- For SS, what politicians think is more important than how people feel.
- SS tells it like it is.
- SS does what they say they will do.
- Those who work in SS are honest people.
- It is possible to understand how SS has made their decisions.
Measured: From enrollment to 6 months after.
Does participating in PiS increase enrollment of children in organized after-school activities
The number of children attending organized after-school activities will be measured through a forced-choice question: Do your children attend any organized after-school activities? If the answer is no, parents are given a number of options to tick .
Measured: The question is asked in the baseline survey at enrollment and asked again at the 6-month follow-up.
Does participating in PiS decrease risk factors of child maltreatment?
Risk factors for use of child abuse will be assessed through a validated questionnaire, Brief Child Abuse Potential Inventory (BCAP) developed by Ondersma et al. BCAP is a shortened version of the screening tool for detecting potential child maltreatment, the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI). The CAP Inventory is a self-report measure of 160 forced-choice (agree/disagree) questions. But some characteristics, such as the length of the questionnaire and the complex scoring system, limit the screening tool's usefulness, which is why the shorter version was developed. BCAP contains seven factors: Distress, Family Conflict, Rigidity, Happiness, Feelings of Persecution, Loneliness, and Financial Insecurity. These factors are not used to produce individual factor scores but to ensure the Abuse Risk scale includes a range of dimensions associated with physical child abuse risk.
Measured: From enrollment to 6 months after.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Mar 2025
- Study startSep 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completionDec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completionApr 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Parent-Child RelationsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Karolinska InstitutetThe 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
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Parenting in Sweden (Pis) will be evaluated in a prospective, multicenter, RCT in a ratio of 1:1 to be block randomized to intervention or control group. The groups will be given the same questionnaires at the start of the program, at 5 weeks and after 6 months.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Karolinska Institutet
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Stockholm City Council, Children's right in society
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, David Ebbevi, Karolinska Institutet
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06874998
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2024-06868-01
- Acronym
- PiSRCT
- Status last verified
- Jul 2025
- First submitted
- 18 Feb 2025
- Last updated
- 14 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Confidentiality. Sharing IPD would not align with ethical approval.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of "Parenting in Sweden" on Trust in Social Services - a Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06874998
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PiSRCT / 2024-06868-01
- Conditions
- Parent-Child Relations, Immigrant
- Keywords
- Parental support programs, Parenting, Immigrant parents, Trust in social services, Cultural adaptation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Karolinska InstitutetUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Stockholm City Council, Children's right in society
- Study start
- Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Apr 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 13 Mar 2025 (actual)
- 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.
Supporting Parents in a New Country
Adjusting to parenthood in a new country presents significant challenges. Many immigrant parents face language barriers, financial difficulties, and cultural differences that can complicate their ability to support their children's adaptation to Swedish society. These challenges can contribute to increased stress within the family and, in some cases, elevate the risk of child maltreatment-particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. However, research suggests that strong social support and positive parenting strategies can mitigate these risks.
Sweden, known for its high levels of trust in authorities, has implemented various initiatives to assist families, especially those new to the country. One such initiative is Parenting in Sweden (PiS), a structured program designed to help foreign-born parents navigate Swedish society, understand their rights, and support their children's development. Delivered in five sessions, the program covers key topics such as the Swedish school system, healthcare services, parental rights, and challenges related to raising teenagers.
This study aims to assess whether participation in PiS increase parents' trust in social services. Additionally, it explores whether the program encourages parents to enroll their children in extracurricular activities, which are known to support child development. Another important aspect under investigation is whether the program can help reduce the risk of parents resorting to harsh disciplinary practices.
To evaluate these outcomes, the study follows a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Immigrant parents of children aged 0-17 are invited to participate, with half assigned to complete the full five-session program and the other half (control group) placed on a waiting list, receiving a group meeting to discuss films related to moving to Sweden. All participants will complete surveys assessing their trust in social services, their children's participation in extracurricular activities, and their parenting practices. These surveys will be administered before and after the program, as well as six months later, to track any changes over time.
The primary objective is to determine whether participation in PiS leads to increased trust in social services. Additional expected benefits (exploratory analysis) include promoting positive parenting behaviors, such as seeking help when needed and actively engaging children in structured activities outside of school.
By examining the effectiveness of parental support programs facilitating integration, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how structured interventions can help families navigate life in Sweden. If the program proves successful in fostering trust and encouraging positive parenting, it may have long-term benefits for both parents and children, ultimately supporting their well-being and integration into Swedish society.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Parenting in Sweden (Pis) will be evaluated in a prospective, multicenter, RCT in a ratio of 1:1 to be block randomized to intervention or control group. The groups will be given the same questionnaires at the start of the program, at 5 weeks and after 6 months.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Parenting in Sweden | Experimental | Behavioral: Structured group discussionsThe intervention group will be given the full program straight after recruitment ("Structured group discussions"). The program consists of five 3-hour sessions once a week. The themes for the five sessions are: Family in a new country, School, girls and boys, Health and health care system, Parents rights and obligations and parenting a teenager. Each session combines lectures and group discussions on topics critical to families adapting to life in Sweden. The sessions are held by a trained group leader and, if needed, interpreters. |
| Waitlist | Placebo comparator | Behavioral: Unstructured group meetingThe control group will be placed on a waiting list for 6 months ("Unstructured group meeting"). After 6 weeks the control group is offered a session with two short films from the Swedish Educational Broadcasting Company (UR), followed by a brief discussion. The first film explores how one can establish a place in society, the second film illustrates how hard it can be to create a new social context. The intention with the short films is not to give a short version of PiS, but to engage parents in the study and the program so they will complete them. The control group is then offered to participate in the whole program after 6 months. |
Who may qualify
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- All parents invited to participate in PiS can take part in the study.
- Eligibility extends to parents born outside of Sweden who have children aged 0 to 17 years.
- There are no restrictions regarding the length of time since their migration to Sweden; i.e., participants may have lived in Sweden for decades prior to joining. - - Literacy is not a requirement for participation.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Individuals who are unable, physically or not willing, to sign a consent form will not be eligible to participate in the study.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Structured group discussionsAlso: Structured parenting support, Structured parenting guidanceA group-based program for immigrant parents of children aged 0-17, providing essential information on key aspects of family life in Sweden. The intervention consists of five weekly three-hour sessions, combining lectures, group discussions, and interactive exercises, led by a trained group leader and, when necessary, an interpreter. The following topics are discussed: * Parenting in a New Country - Adapting to cultural changes and supporting children's integration. * Education \& Child Development - School system, parental involvement, and learning support. * Healthcare \& Well-being - Access to healthcare, preventive care, and mental health. * Parents' Rights \& Responsibilities - Child welfare laws, positive discipline, and social services. * Parenting Teenagers - Navigating adolescence, peer relationships, and risk prevention. | Behavioural | Parenting in Sweden |
| Unstructured group meetingAlso: Community Orientation Session, Informational Meeting on Family Life in SwedenParents in the control group are asked to participate in a gathering where they will watch two short films from the Swedish Educational Broadcasting Company (UR), followed by a brief discussion. The films have been handpicked by representatives from BRIS and PLUS together with the researchers to create an opportunity for a meeting. The first film "A way in - first meeting" shows a family from Iran living in Sweden for 1,5 years and explores how one can establish a place in society. In the second film "Make new friends" it is illustrated how hard it can be to create a new social context. The intention with the short films is not to give a short version of PiS, but to engage parents in the study and the program so they will complete them. | Behavioural | Waitlist |
Primary outcome
What are the effects of PiS on the level of trust in social services among parents born outside of Sweden?
Time frame: From enrollment to 6 months after.
The research question will be assessed through the question, "Overall, to what extent do you trust that those who work in Social services (SS) do their job?" ranked on a 5-point Likert scale.
3 secondary outcomes
How valid and reliable is an adapted government trust scale for measuring trust in social services?
Time frame: From enrollment to 6 months after.
Does participating in PiS increase enrollment of children in organized after-school activities
Time frame: The question is asked in the baseline survey at enrollment and asked again at the 6-month follow-up.
Does participating in PiS decrease risk factors of child maltreatment?
Time frame: From enrollment to 6 months after.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 14 Jul 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Confidentiality. Sharing IPD would not align with ethical approval.
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Structured group discussions and Unstructured group meeting in people with Parent-Child Relations and Immigrant, run by Karolinska Institutet at 1 site in Sweden.
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 3 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Jul 2025. 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 Sweden. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Anna MS Dahl, Medical Doctor (+46735350411, anna_dahl@live.se), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
What are the effects of PiS on the level of trust in social services among parents born outside of Sweden? (time frame: From enrollment to 6 months after.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 14 Jul 2025.