Brief interventions to support parents’ use of positive discipline and lessen use of harsh discipline strategies: qualitative findings from a randomized controlled trial

Despite the evidence for intensive parenting programs in promoting child wellbeing and reducing risk for child abuse, little research has been conducted to examine the efficacy of brief, potentially more universal programs for parents in promoting positive parenting practices. The purpose of the current study is to investigate participants’ perceptions of two brief parenting interventions implemented within Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) clinics as part of a randomized controlled trial, the Testing Innovations in Positive Parenting Study (TIPPS). Women with children ages 2–7 years were recruited from WIC clinics in New Orleans, Louisiana, completed a baseline interview, and then were randomized to one of three conditions: (1) Triple P-Level 2, (2) Play Nicely, or (3) a “usual care” control group. Participants’ qualitative responses to new strategies caregivers had learned during their last visit were assessed via open-ended survey questions at 3 months post-intervention (n = 720; 88% retention from baseline). Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative responses of participants. Participants in both intervention conditions reported improvements in parent–child communication, increased patience, and increased use of quiet time or time out. Triple P-Level 2 participants more often reported implementation of logical consequences and rewards for good behavior, whereas Play Nicely participants described stopping the use of physical punishment. The majority of women in the control group reported no changes in their discipline strategies. Participants indicated that a short intervention helped them improve their skills for encouraging desirable behavior and dealing with misbehavior with their children. Implementing brief parenting education sessions within WIC or other family health service settings, may help to improve parenting practices and reduce the use of harsh parenting strategies including physical punishment.