Adherence to brief parent training as a predictor of parent and child outcomes in real‐world settings

Purpose – This study aims to examine the predictive validity of an adherence measure to Brief Parent Training (BPT) delivered in real‐world settings. BPT promotes effective parenting practices in families with children who either are at an early stage of problem behaviour development or have developed conduct problems. Design/methodology/approach – In a sample of 108 families who received BPT, whether adherence predicted parenting practices and child conduct problems after intervention completion was examined. Findings – The results showed that high ratings of adherence predicted low levels of inconsistent discipline and high levels of appropriate discipline and positive parenting. The combined effect of inconsistent discipline and positive parenting mediated the relationship between adherence and child conduct problems. When the indirect effects were separated, inconsistent discipline functioned as a mediator, whereas positive parenting did not. Originality/value – Findings indicate that it is possible to develop a sound and feasible parent‐reported measure of adherence to BPT.