Willeke A. Manders

Testing theories through evaluation research: conceptual and methodological issues embedded in evaluations of parenting programmes

Obviously, evaluations of parenting programmes are important for improving clinical practice. Such evaluation studies can show us whether a parenting programme works and for whom and under which circumstances the programme has the best effects. An additional, often neglected, role of evaluation studies is to provide a test of the theory on which the programme is based. In the present paper, we discuss the ways in which evaluation studies can be used to test and refine theories pertaining to parenting behaviour and child development. Several examples of such studies are presented and both conceptual (specifying the theory-based expectations regarding working mechanisms) and methodological issues (quality criteria for real-life evaluation studies of parenting programmes) involved in evaluation research are addressed.

Perceptions of Problem Behavior in Adolescents' Families: Perceiver, Target, and Family Effects.

Considerable research has focused on the reliability and validity of informant reports of family behavior, especially maternal reports of adolescent problem behavior. None of these studies, however, has based their orientation on a theoretical model of interpersonal perception. In this study we used the social relations model (SRM) to examine family members’ reports of each others’ externalizing and internalizing problem behavior. Two parents and two adolescents in 69 families rated each others’ behavior within a round-robin design. SRM analysis showed that within-family perceptions of externalizing and internalizing behaviors are consistently due to three sources of variance; perceiver, target, and family effects. A family/contextual effect on informant reports of problem behavior has not been previously reported.

The Multitrait-Multimethod Approach in Family Assessment

Abstract. A questionnaire and two observation methods were used to assess the parent-child relationship constructs Warmth, Hostility, Respect for Autonomy, and Setting Limits. Family members (father, mother, and one child) were asked to assess each of the other family members on these constructs. The family members were observed during an interaction task and their behavior toward each of the other family members was coded on these constructs, using global ratings and microcodes. The childrens problem behavior was rated by both parents. A multitrait-multimethod approach was followed in analyzing the data and interpreting the criterion validity of the relationship measures. Method-variance overshadowed trait-variance and presumably also explained the moderate criterion validity of the questionnaire and the behavior rating method.

Negativity in Problematic and Nonproblematic Families: A Multigroup Social Relations Model Analysis With Structured Means

The aim of the study was to determine whether there are differences in patterns of negativity between families with and without an adolescent with externalizing problem behavior. We used a structured means Social Relations Model in order to examine negativity in multiple levels of the family system. The sample consisted of 120 problematic and 153 nonproblematic families (two parents, two children), who rated the level of negativity in the relationship with each family member. Although a simple mean differences test would lead us to believe that differences in negativity between groups of families can be ascribed to the interaction between parent and adolescent, the results of the present study indicate that these differences are actually related to the characteristics of a problematic child.

Ethnic differences in the relationship between psychopathy and (re) offending in a sample of juvenile delinquents

The present study focused on the relationship between psychopathy and delinquency in a multiethnic sample of juvenile offenders (N=207, n=105 native Dutch, and n=102 immigrants) referred to a treatment program. Aims were (1) to examine the cross-ethnic equivalence of the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD); (2) to compare the mean levels of psychopathic traits in native Dutch and immigrant juvenile delinquents and (3) the strength of the associations between psychopathic traits and delinquency in both the native Dutch and immigrant samples. Measurement invariance was established for APSD factors assessing callous-unemotional (CU) traits and impulsivity. However, there were ethnic differences in the factor structure of narcissism. No differences were found between ethnic groups in mean levels of CU traits and impulsivity. Finally, the association between impulsivity and self-reported delinquency was stronger for native Dutch than for immigrant juveniles. Further research is needed in order to make the treatment of juvenile delinquents with psychopathic traits in ethnic minority groups more effective according to the specific needs of these juveniles.

Gezinsbenaderingen bij jongeren met antisociaal gedrag

Het besef dat gezinsfactoren een belangrijke rol spelen in de ontwikkeling van probleemgedrag bij jeugdigen heeft geleid tot meer aandacht voor de rol van de ouders bij preventie- of interventieprogramma’s. Dit is vooral het geval bij programma’s die proberen antisociaal gedrag van jongeren te beinvloeden. In dit hoofdstuk beginnen we met een kort overzicht van de rol van gezinsfactoren in de ontwikkeling van antisociaal gedrag. Vervolgens geven we een aantal voorbeelden van gezinsgerichte interventies die tegenwoordig ook in Nederland worden toegepast bij preventie en/of behandeling van kinderen en jongeren die antisociaal gedrag vertonen. In de daaropvolgende paragraaf zal ingegaan worden op de vraag waarom en op welke wijze deze interventies positieve effecten teweeg zouden kunnen brengen. Met andere woorden: we proberen de ‘veranderingsmechanismen’ (in de onderzoeksliteratuur vaak ‘mediatoren van interventie-effecten’ genoemd) te identificeren en gaan na in hoeverre hier empirisch bewijs voor bestaat.