CompletedNot Applicable

Nurtured Heart Parenting Intervention for Child Behavioural Problems

United Kingdom6 participantsStarted 2022-06-27

Plain-language summary

Behavioural problems are prevalent in children, yet the consequences can be significant for the child, family and wider society. Effective intervention is paramount in reducing the impact of childhood behavioural problems. The Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA; Glasser \& Easley, 2016) is an atheoretical parenting intervention which aims to reduce childhood behavioural problems. Although used in clinical practice, there is little empirical research on the effectiveness of the NHA. The aims of the study were to examine whether the NHA reduced parent-reported child behavioural problems, reduced negative parenting practices, and increased parental reflective functioning. The study used a multiple baseline single case design. Parents of children with behavioural problems were recruited from CAMHS waiting lists. The NHA was delivered in a guided self-help format, using the Transforming the Intense Child workbook (Glasser, 2016) and weekly phone calls. Data collection involved psychometric measures of parent-reported child behavioural problems, parenting practices and parental reflecting functioning. Measures were repeated throughout baseline and intervention phases. A follow-up four weeks after the intervention included final measure administration and a change interview. The data were graphed and visually analysed. Supplementary analysis included reliable and clinically significant change, Tau-U and percentage exceeding the median. Framework analysis was used to analyse the change interview.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: Participants will be parents/carers of children who have been referred to National Health Service (NHS) children's services for behavioural problems. Participants will be recruited from waiting lists of NHS children's services at the two research sites in the East Midlands. Inclusion criteria: * The referred child is aged between three and eleven years old. * The referred child is on a waiting list for an NHS children's service at the two research sites. * The referred child's behavioural problems are one of the primary reasons for referral to the NHS service. * The parent/carer identifies the referred child's behaviour as problematic. Exclusion Criteria: * The referred child has a diagnosis of developmental delay or learning disability. * The family is current receiving active multi-agency involvement (e.g. social care, police or youth offending in addition to NHS services). * The parent/carer is aged under 18. * The parent/carer is unable to read or speak English fluently.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Parent-reported Child Behavioural Problems

Timeframe: Measure across the baseline phase (3 weeks), intervention phase (6 weeks) and follow up (one month post intervention)

Idiographic Measure of Parent-perceived Problems

Timeframe: Measured at the beginning of the baseline and follow up (one month post intervention)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06195579

SponsorUniversity of Lincoln

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-02-28

Results submitted2024-02-20

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