Master of Research in Psychology Applied to Education: Research Projects. Generation 2017-2019

The objective of this study was to analyze the research projects presented by MIPAE students of the 2017-2019 generation. A non-probabilistic sample of 18 students who presented research summaries for the XV Research Colloquium of the Multiregional Network of Quality Master's Programs in Psychology was studied. Procedure. Ex post facto study of a single group to determine the characteristics of the summary presented as an academic element during the training process to carry out research activities. It was found that most of the abstracts correspond to 67% the behavioral approach. The projects are mostly focus on the educational field where: 38% corresponds to Basic Education. It is identified a very wide range of the objects of study of the diverse research from the students: Behavior modification training to teachers from primary education, Musical learning behavior, Parenting patterns and child disruptive behavior, Learning of competences of research, among others.The research projects of the MIPAE students are developed under two psychological approaches: behavioral and inter-behavioral.

A nonrandomized trial of a behavioral parent training intervention for parents with children with challenging behaviors: In-person versus internet-HOT DOCS

Behavioral parent training (BPT) programs are the first-line interventions for childhood disruptive behaviors. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting these programs to telehealth modalities is necessary to ensure continued services to children and families. This study evaluates the use of telehealth versus in-person modality to deliver the Helping Our Toddlers, Developing Our Children’s Skills (HOT DOCS) BPT. The study design was quasi-experimental with two nonequivalent groups: in-person HOT DOCS ( n = 152) and internet-HOT DOCS ( n = 46). Participants were caregivers of children ages 2–5 exhibiting disruptive behaviors. Pre- and post-intervention outcome measures were collected for child disruptive behavior and parenting stress and post-test only for consumer satisfaction. Multiple linear and Poisson regression models were performed to assess the effect of class modality on the outcomes. Child disruptive behavior and parenting stress post-test scores for in-person and telehealth groups were not significantly different, even after adjusting for baseline characteristics. Consumer satisfaction scores were significantly more positive for the in-person group. The results of this study provide preliminary evidence for the i-HOT DOCS modality as being as effective as the in-person program. Study findings may be beneficial to practitioners utilizing telehealth interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic and onward.

How Do Parents Influence Child Disruptive Behavior After Acquired Brain Injury? Evidence From a Mediation Model and Path Analysis

Objectives:Children with acquired brain injury (ABI) can present with disruptive behavior, which is often a consequence of injury and parent factors. Parent factors are associated with child disruptive behavior. Furthermore, disinhibition in the child also leads to disruptive behavior. However, it is unclear how these factors interact. We investigated whether parental factors influence child disruptive behavior following ABI and how these factors interact.Methods:Parents of 77 children with ABI participated in the study. Parent factors (executive dysfunction, trait-anxiety), potential intervention targets (dysfunctional parenting practices, parental stress, child disinhibition), and child disruptive behavior were assessed. A hypothetical model based on the literature was tested using mediation and path analysis.Results:Mediation analysis revealed that child disinhibition and dysfunctional parenting practices mediated the association of parent factors and child disruptive behavior. Parents’ executive dysfunction mediated the association of dysfunctional parenting practices, parental stress and parent trait-anxiety. Parenting practices mediated the association of executive dysfunction and child disruptive behavior. Path analysis indices indicated good model adjustment. Comparative and Tucker-Lewis Index were >0.95, and the root mean square error of approximation was 0.059, with a chi-square of 0.25.Conclusions:A low level of parental trait-anxiety may be required to reduce dysfunctional parenting practices and child disinhibition. Impairments in child disinhibition can be exacerbated when parents present with high trait-anxiety. Child disinhibition is the major contributor of disruptive behavior reported by parents and teachers. The current study provides evidence of parent anxiety and child disinhibition as possible modifiable intervention targets for reducing child disruptive behavior. (JINS, 2019,25, 237–248)

Engaging Child Welfare–Involved Families in Evidence-Based Interventions to Address Child Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Evidence-based behavioral parent training (BPT) programs are the most effective way to address children’s behavior disorders and participant engagement is essential to achieving positive treatment outcomes. However, there is limited understanding of the factors that contribute to engagement, particularly for at-risk families. This qualitative study explored factors affecting behavioral and attitudinal engagement among child welfare–involved parents participating in Pathways Triple P ( n = 47). Data were collected through semistructured interviews and three major themes affecting parental engagement were identified: (a) ensuring comprehension, (b) increasing parenting efficacy, and (c) addressing obstacles to participation. Findings suggest that practitioner behaviors play an essential role in increasing the engagement of families receiving BPT, and identify practitioners as a promising strategy to improve program effectiveness for parents involved with child welfare.

The Impact of Foster Parent Training on Parenting Skills and Child Disruptive Behavior

Children in foster care are at risk for behavioral and emotional problems that require higher levels of care than other children. To meet these needs and reduce placement disruptions, foster parents require effective parenting skills. Although a number of training models have been evaluated, the findings on the efficacy of foster parent training (FPT) are mixed. We conducted a meta-analysis of the FPT outcome research from 1984 to 2014 to develop a clearer understanding of the impact of such trainings. Fifteen samples (16 studies) were identified that investigated the impact of FPT on self-reported parenting skills and knowledge and child problem behaviors. The mean effect size for child disruptive behavior using a random effects model was small but significant at −.20 (95% confidence interval [CI] = [−.39, −.01], Z = 2.05, p < .05), suggesting that, on average, foster parents who were involved in the trainings reported fewer child behavior problems than parents who did not receive the training. The mean effect size for parenting was moderate and significant at .52 (95% CI = [.22, .82], Z = 3.38, p < .05), indicating that, on average, parents in the treatment groups reported higher levels of skills and knowledge following training than did those in the control group. While these results are promising, more research is necessary to investigate the inconsistency in effect sizes across studies.

Parental Stress, Discipline Strategies, and Child Behavior Problems in Families With Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

The current study investigated the parent–child relationship by examining associations between parent stress, parental discipline strategies, child disruptive behavior problems, and level of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. A sample of 130 parents of children with ASD ages 3 to 11 years participated. Parents reported high levels of parent stress and high levels of child disruptive behavior problems. A series of mediation analyses via bootstrapping were used to examine the development of child disruptive behavior. Use of harsh and punitive parental discipline strategies mediated the link between parent stress and child disruptive behavior problems. These findings suggest that parental discipline strategies should be a central target in prevention and treatment interventions for children with ASD to reduce the emergence of child disruptive behavior problems. Reducing challenging behavior in children with ASD may improve the rate of skill acquisition and improve the parent–child relationship. Future directions for research along with clinical implications for families are discussed.