The role of social identity and self-efficacy in predicting service providers’ use of Stepping Stones Triple P following training

Background: Identifying factors that may contribute to the use of programs following the completion of training by practitioners is of practical and theoretical importance. Aim: This study examined the role of social identity and self-efficacy in contributing to the delivery of an evidence-based parenting program. Methods and Procedures: A sample of 63 multi-disciplinary professionals trained in the Stepping Stones Triple P-Positive Parenting Program, for parents of children with developmental disability, as part of a statewide roll-out were interviewed two years after training. Data on the number of hours of delivery during the 2-year period was analysed along with quantitative data obtained during interviews that assessed professionals’ self-efficacy and social identity as a Stepping Stones professional. Outcomes and Results: Social identity was associated with the use of SSTP in an independent analysis, but the association was no longer significant when other factors were included in a regression model. Self-efficacy predicted the use of SSTP and was found to be a mediator in the relationship between social identity and use of SSTP. Conclusions and Implications: This first investigation into the role of social identity in the implementation of evidence-based parenting programs showed that social identity could play an important role. The role of self-efficacy in predicting program use was further supported in this study and the mediator function of self-efficacy is explored. The practical and theoretical implications of the role of self-efficacy and social identity in the training of professionals are discussed.</p

Why Don’t Parents of Children with a Disability Participate in Parenting Programs?

The intention of parents of children with a disability to participate in parenting programs was examined in the context of parent and child characteristics and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The study was conducted in conjunction with a national public health trial designed to provide families of children with a disability access to evidence-based parenting programs at a population level. Telephone surveys conducted with 52 parents of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities (Mchild age = 5.44) assessed intention, subjective norm, attitude and perceived behavioural control. Parents also completed measures of child and parental adjustment, parental efficacy and social support. Results revealed no relationship between intention to participate and parent and child characteristics. Regression analyses provided preliminary support for the predictive utility of the TPB. Positive social pressure to attend a parenting program and a favourable attitude towards parenting programs were the strongest predictors of intention to participate. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed