Journal Article

Evaluating the efficacy of the Family Check-Up Online: A school-based, eHealth model for the prevention of problem behavior during the middle school years

Danaher, Brian, Stormshak, Elizabeth A., Seeley, John R., Cardenas, Lucia, Moore, Kevin J., Caruthers, Allison S., Gau, Jeff, Fleming, Christopher M., Tyler, Milagra S.

2019

Overview

This study evaluated the efficacy of a family-centered preventive intervention, the Family Check-Up (FCU), delivered as an online, eHealth model to middle school families. To increase accessibility of family-centered prevention in schools, we adapted the evidence-based FCU to an online format, with the goal of providing a model of service delivery that is feasible, given limited staffing and resources in many schools. Building on prior research, we randomly assigned participants to waitlist control ( n = 105), FCU Online as a web-based intervention ( n = 109), and FCU Online with coaching support ( n = 108). We tested the effects of the intervention on multiple outcomes, including parental self-efficacy, child self-regulation, and child behavior, in this registered clinical trial (NCT03060291). Families engaged in the intervention at a high rate (72% completed the FCU assessment) and completed 3-month posttest assessments with good retention (94% retained). Random assignment to the FCU Online with coaching support was associated with reduced emotional problems for children ( p = .003, d = −0.32) and improved parental confidence and self-efficacy ( p = .018, d = 0.25) when compared with waitlist controls. Risk moderated effects: at-risk youth showed stronger effects than did those with minimal risk. The results have implications for online delivery of family-centered interventions in schools.

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Subject: Access / Adolescent / At risk populations / Behavior problems / Child / Child Behavior - psychology / Children / Clinical research / Clinical trials / Coaching / Emotional disturbances / Families & family life / Family / Family school relationship / Family Therapy - methods / Female / Humans / Internet / Intervention / Male / Middle schools / Parent-child relations / Parents / Parents & parenting / Prevention / Prevention programs / Problem Behavior / Risk / Schools / Self control / Self Efficacy / Self regulation / Staffing / Students / Telemedicine