Evaluating the Efficacy of the Family Check-Up Online: A School-Based, eHealth Model for the Prevention of Problem Behavior during the Middle School Years

This study evaluated the efficacy of a family-centered preventive intervention, the Family Check-Up (FCU), delivered as an online, eHealth model to middle school families. To increase accessibility of family-centered prevention in schools, we adapted the evidence-based FCU to an online format, with...

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Published inGrantee Submission
Main Authors Stormshak, Elizabeth A, Seeley, John R, Caruthers, Allison S, Cardenas, Lucia, Moore, Kevin J, Tyler, Milagra S, Fleming, Christopher M, Gau, Jeff, Danaher, Brian
Format Report
LanguageEnglish
Published 2019
Subjects
At Risk Students
Behavior Problems
Child Behavior
Communication Skills
Early Adolescents
Educational Technology
Family Programs
Feedback (Response)
Grade 6
Grade 7
Health Promotion
Intervention
Maintenance
Middle School Students
Online Courses
Parenting Skills
Positive Behavior Supports
Prevention
Problem Solving
Program Effectiveness
Self Control
Self Efficacy
Oregon
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Summary:This study evaluated the efficacy of a family-centered preventive intervention, the Family Check-Up (FCU), delivered as an online, eHealth model to middle school families. To increase accessibility of family-centered prevention in schools, we adapted the evidence-based FCU to an online format, with the goal of providing a model of service delivery that is feasible, given limited staffing and resources in many schools. Building on prior research, we randomly assigned participants to waitlist control (n = 105), FCU Online as a web-based intervention (n = 109), and FCU Online with coaching support (n = 108). We tested the effects of the intervention on multiple outcomes, including parental self-efficacy, child self-regulation, and child behavior, in this registered clinical trial (NCT03060291). Families engaged in the intervention at a high rate (72% completed the FCU assessment) and completed 3-month post-test assessments with good retention (94% retained). Random assignment to the FCU Online with coaching support was associated with reduced emotional problems for children (p = 0.003, d = -0.32) and improved parental confidence and self-efficacy (p = 0.018, d = 0.25) when compared with waitlist controls. Risk moderated effects: at-risk youth showed stronger effects than did those with minimal risk. The results have implications for online delivery of family-centered interventions in schools. [This paper was published in "Development and Psychopathology" v31 n5 p1873-1886 2019.]
DOI:10.1017/S0954579419000907