# Examining the Effect of Peer-Led Parenting Interventions on the Wellbeing of Parents With Children With an Emotional or Behavioural Disorder – A Systematic Review

## TL;DR

This paper reviews studies to see if peer-led parenting programs help parents of children with emotional or behavioral issues feel better.

## Contribution

The paper systematically reviews the impact of peer-led parenting interventions on parent wellbeing, which has not been well studied before.

## Key findings

- 7 out of 13 studies showed statistically significant improvements in parent wellbeing.
- 6 studies showed a trend toward improved wellbeing even without statistical significance.
- The review highlights the need for better ways to measure parent wellbeing.

## Abstract

Parents of children with emotional or behavioural disorders (EBD) experience challenges with their own wellbeing. Parenting practices are impacted by parent wellbeing and are vital to supporting children with EBD. Programs with peer-led components, aimed at developing healthy parenting skills have been developed. While peer-led parenting interventions for parents of children with EBD have led to positive outcomes for children, outcomes related to parent wellbeing are not known. This systematic review examines the impact of peer-led parenting programs on the wellbeing of parents of children with EBD.

A systematic review across 7 databases was conducted. 1009 articles were screened, and 13 met criteria for inclusion.

This study identified 8 peer-led parenting interventions. 11 outcome measures of parent wellbeing were used across the 13 studies. 7 studies reported statistically significant improvement in parent wellbeing outcomes. The 6 studies that did not report statistically significant improvement showed a trend toward improved parent wellbeing on outcome measure scores.

Findings indicate the potential for peer-led parenting interventions to have a positive impact on parent wellbeing. Future research is needed to determine how to meaningfully measure parent wellbeing and what aspects of peer-led parenting interventions positively impact parent wellbeing.

Emotional or Behavioural Disorders (EBD) are conditions that impact on children’s abilities to manage their emotions, behaviours or social interactions. Parents of children with these difficulties often struggle with their own wellbeing, which can affect how they care for their child. Parenting support programs led by other parents (peers) exist, but their impact on parent wellbeing is unclear. This study reviewed 13 research articles on peer-led parenting programs. Findings indicate the potential for peer-led parenting interventions to have a positive impact on parent well-being. In the articles included, parent wellbeing was measured in different ways and many different peer-led parenting interventions were described. Future research is needed to determine meaningful ways to measure parent wellbeing and to better understand what aspects of peer-led parenting interventions positively impact parent wellbeing.