Efficacy of technology-based parentingprogrammes in reducing behaviour problems: An analysis ofsystematic reviews and meta-analyses

Abstract

Recently, especially after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the shift towardstechnology-based non-face-to-face family prevention programmes to deal with prob-lem behaviours has increased. Different systematic reviews and meta-analyses haveexplored the results of the virtual versions of the programmes. However, a globalsummary or systematized overview of the main conclusions and implications of thedifferent reviews is needed to establish the scientific contributions of the new for-mats and to help the providers of the online programmes to know the componentsthat work and to what extent. A lack of systematized information on the differentdelivery modes has also been detected. This study addresses these issues by system-atically analysing existing reviews and meta-analyses, examining the reported out-comes and, when available, results related to delivery conditions and adherencevariables. The analysis results suggest a reduction in children's problem behavioursand a consensus on the necessity of reporting on the parental stress variable. In con-clusion, it highlights the need for more information on delivery conditions, given thestructural change in how these programmes or interventions are provided, togetherwith data on adherence and family variables (family relationships and interactionssuch as family communication and family resilience)