Parenting Programs for Disruptive Child Behavior in China: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Abstract

To synthesize evidence of parenting program effects on disruptive child behavior in China and compare three program approaches: behavioral, relational, and cognitive. We searched five databases (four English and one Chinese) and identified 45 studies; 29 studies were included in a multilevel meta-analysis (92 effect sizes; total N total = 3,892; M child age = 6.12 years). We found large overall effects on reduced disruptive child behavior ( d = −1.28, 95% CI [−1.86, −0.70], p < .001), reduced harsh and inconsistent parenting ( d = −1.70, 95% CI [−2.91, −0.49], p <.001), and improved parental warmth and positive behavioral management ( d = 2.67, 95% CI [0.41, 4.93], p <.001). Behavioral programs were more effective than relational programs (Δ d = .89, 95% CI [−1.7, −0.13], p = .034), and cognitive programs were too rare to analyze separately. Parenting programs for disruptive child behavior can effectively support Chinese families, especially those adopting a behavioral approach.