About the program

Parent Effectiveness Training is an educational program aims to improve family life by changing parental child-rearing attitudes and practices, and by changing children’s behaviour – primarily through altering communication styles.

Program structure

There are 8 x 3-hour sessions, which are conducted in groups and occur on a weekly basis. Group size is 12 to 15 people. Individual coaching sessions are also available.

Evaluation and effectiveness

Multiple studies document positive behavioural outcomes for families post-intervention. An extensive study (mixed method, control group) conducted across 6 sites in Australia found that parents participating in the course showed significantly higher scores than the control group in empathic listening, conflict resolution, appropriate assertiveness, and reduction in scores on parental stress (Wood, 2003).

A full summary of the research is available on the Effectiveness Training Institute of Australia website.

References

Wood, C.D. (2003). Thesis: How we talk to our children: An evaluation of Parent Effectiveness Training for emotional competence. University of Tasmania: unpublished doctoral study.