Moderators of outcome in a brief family-centered intervention for preventing early problem behavior.

• DOI: 10.1037/a0015622
• Publication Date: 2009-06-01T21:14:43Z
• Authors: Frances Gardner; Arin Connell; Christopher J. Tr...; Daniel S. Shaw; Thomas J. Dishion; Melvin N. Wilson
• Keywords: Disadvantaged; Early childhood intervention; Positive Behavior Support

This study investigated moderators of change in an empirically supported family-centered intervention (the Family Check-Up) for problem behavior early childhood. Participants were 731 2- to 3-year-olds (49% girls; 28% African American, 50% European 13% biracial) from low-income families and had been screened risk family stress early-onset behavior. They randomized the Check-Up or a no-intervention control group. Latent growth models examined sociodemographic parent psychological factors as potential between ages 2, 3, 4. Results revealed 2 effectiveness. Caregivers with lowest educational levels more responsive intervention, 2-parent intervention. Other showed no predictive effects. Overall, findings suggest that this brief can be equally effective reaching most distressed disadvantaged families, compared those who are advantaged. However, results attention may needed address needs single reducing