Pandemic parenting: A pilot study of in-person versus internet-DOCS K-5 for caregivers of school-age children with disruptive behaviors

Abstract

Behavioral parent training (BPT) programs are needed to address disruptive behavior disorders among school-aged children. Given the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and associated mental health consequences, adapting BPTs to telehealth modalities is necessary to ensure continued services to children and families. This pilot study evaluated the use of a telehealth vs in-person modality to deliver the Developing Our Children’s Skills K-5 (DOCS K-5) BPT. Participants were caregivers of children enrolled in elementary school exhibiting disruptive behaviors who participated in either in-person DOCS K-5 ( n = 21) or internet-DOCS K-5 (i-DOCS K-5; n = 34). Pre- and post-intervention outcome measures were collected for child disruptive behavior, parenting stress, and caregiver symptoms of depression while consumer satisfaction was assessed at post-test only. Multiple linear and Poisson regression models were performed to assess the effect of session modality on the outcomes. Child disruptive behavior, parenting stress and depression, and consumer satisfaction scores were not significantly different across groups, even after adjusting for baseline characteristics. The results of this study provide preliminary evidence that the i-DOCS K-5 modality is as effective as the in-person program. Study findings may be beneficial to practitioners treating school-age children and utilizing telehealth interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic and onward.