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A self-guided, academic-focused online parenting program to promote positive parenting and parent well-being: A randomized controlled trial in Hong Kong

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  • Li, Yan
  • Ng, Florrie Fei-Yin
  • Sze, Irene Nga-Lam
  • Yau, Jenny

Abstract

Parenting programs are generally costly and difficult to scale. Moreover, existing programs are often designed for parents in the Global North, and parenting in the academic domain has received sparse attention. Focusing on this domain, we designed the Empowerment for Positive and Reflective Parenting (EPARP) program—a fully self-guided program delivered via a mobile app that lasted for five weeks. The aim of EPARP was to promote positive and reflective parenting as well as parental well-being among Hong Kong Chinese parents of school-aged children. In a randomized controlled trial involving 978 parents (Mage = 40.94 years; 88.3% female), we found that after receiving the EPARP, parents viewed parental autonomy support in the academic domain more positively and psychological control in this domain more negatively, and they reported more positive affect, ds = 0.15– 0.31. They also reported higher levels of mindful parenting, d = 0.18, although program effects were not found for other parenting practices. Our findings suggest that mobile app may be a promising platform for delivering effective, fully self-guided online parenting programs that are potentially scalable.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Yan & Ng, Florrie Fei-Yin & Sze, Irene Nga-Lam & Yau, Jenny, 2025. "A self-guided, academic-focused online parenting program to promote positive parenting and parent well-being: A randomized controlled trial in Hong Kong," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:173:y:2025:i:c:s0190740925001586
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108275
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David, Oana Alexandra & Iuga, Ioana Alexandra & Miron, Ionela Simona, 2024. "Parenting: There is an app for that. A systematic review of parenting interventions apps," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    2. Nieuwboer, Christa C. & Fukkink, Ruben G. & Hermanns, Jo M.A., 2013. "Online programs as tools to improve parenting: A meta-analytic review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(11), pages 1823-1829.
    3. Leijten, Patty & Rienks, Karen & Groenman, Annabeth P. & Anand, Madhur & Kömürcü Akik, Burcu & David, Oana & Kızıltepe, Rukiye & Thongseiratch, Therdpong & Catarina Canário, Ana, 2024. "Online parenting support: Meta-analyses of non-inferiority and additional value to in-person support," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
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