Randomized Trial of Self-Guided Parenting Intervention on Parent Competency and Child Behavior

Purpose: Given the increasing demand for mental health resources and challenges associated with engaging adolescents in therapy, it is crucial to evaluate alternative intervention modalities that empower parents to manage child behavior and enhance parental competency. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a parental guidance book on these outcomes. Method: A convenience sample of 128 Israeli parents were randomly assigned to experimental or control group. After pretest, treatment parents read a guidebook, and after 1 month, both groups were re-assessed. Multiple regression was used to test hypotheses. Results: Treatment parents reported significant improvements in parental competency and reductions in reported child behavior symptoms compared to controls. Frequency and number of strategies predicted an increase in parents’ sense of competency and control. Discussion: Substantial effect sizes indicate that structured, self-administered guidance can benefit parenting practices and outcomes. Findings support broader implementation of such interventions, particularly where traditional therapeutic resources are scarce or inaccessible.