Strengthening Child Social-Emotional and Lifestyle Health in Families Experiencing Stress

Strengthening Child Social-Emotional Functioning and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Through Parent-Based Prevention in Families Experiencing Major Stressors

This study evaluates feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a parent-based prevention program to promote social-emotional and lifestyle behavior health among 3- to 9-year-old children in families experiencing major stressors.

Social-emotional difficulties and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are prevalent among children in the U.S. and are associated with negative health outcomes. These challenges are even more pronounced among families who deal with major stressors, such as parental trauma history and mental health difficulties, parental chronic illness (e.g., HIV), parental substance use, economic disadvantage, and racial discrimination. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a parent-based preventive intervention targeting parental self-regulation, stress reduction, and positive parenting, to promote child social-emotional and lifestyle behavior health, among families where the parents (a) have a child aged 3 to 9 years old, (b) have concerns about their child's behavior, mood, and/or lifestyle health, and (c) are experiencing major stressors. The intervention to be tested is based on Family Life Skills Triple P.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Child between the ages of 3-9 years

2. Parent/caregiver willing to engage in the intervention who

   • is at least 18 years of age
   • is primary caregiver or guardian for the participating child
   • has concerns about the child's mood, behavior, and/or lifestyle health
   • is experiencing two or more major stressors of the following: trauma history, mental health difficulties, living with HIV, racial discrimination, substance misuse, and/or financial strain
   • is English speaking.

Exclusion Criteria:

a. Parent or child has

• a significant cognitive disability, developmental delay, or pervasive developmental disorder
• active suicidal or homicidal ideation
• psychotic symptoms (active hallucinations, delusions, or impaired thought processes)
• ongoing family violence occurring within the home and/or active involvement of child protect services related to child maltreatment allegations.