Feasibility and Acceptability of Parenting Wisely Plus (PW+): A group-based parent training program for parents of youth in residential treatment
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Date
2025-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Background: Residential treatment (RT) is a highly intensive and costly psychiatric care setting for youth, yet 78% of youth struggle to sustain their treatment gains after discharge. Improving parental support is essential for enhancing long-term outcomes. One approach to enhancing support is through web-based parent training programs like Parenting Wisely (PW). PW was augmented with facilitated parent groups (PW+) to promote engagement, personalize strategies, and increase social support. This study aimed to pilot test PW+’s feasibility and acceptability.
Methods: We used a single-group pre-test post-test design. PW+ was a 5-week program consisting of weekly completion of two PW modules and participation in parent groups. Feasibility was assessed by tracking the frequency (discussion group attendance, PW logins), dose (module and practice exercise completion), and duration (time spent in PW and discussion groups). Acceptability referred to the perception that PW is agreeable or satisfactory to parents. Acceptability was assessed through a satisfaction survey, and focus groups were conducted to gain deeper insights.
Results: Parents attended 80% of parent groups, logged into PW 1-2 times weekly, completed 70% of PW modules, and practiced skills weekly. Parents spent 20 minutes per module and 75 minutes in parent groups. Over 80% of parents found PW+ effective in skill reinforcement (95%), parenting a child with behavioral issues (90%), connecting with other parents (100%), and feeling supported (80%). Focus groups highlighted four themes: accessible programming, presenting skills in a new way, parents need skill building, and building community.
Conclusions: PW+ demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability, as evidenced by strong attendance, program completion rates, and positive feedback. This study highlighted the crucial importance of increased parental support in reinforcing the effectiveness of RT. Future research will compare PW+ with a control group to assess its effectiveness in helping youth sustain treatment gains.
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Keywords
Residential Treatment, Adolescents, Parent Training, Feasibility, Acceptability