Triple P is a system of training for accredited Triple P trainers to train and accredit Triple P practitioners who deliver a multi-level system of programs to parents, but it’s also both a resource library for parents, trainers and practitioners, and an online resource available direct to parents.
At a Government rollout-level, the program also involves the creation of communications materials based on evidence-based knowledge.
Its benefits can be dramatic and long-lasting.
“Triple P doesn’t tell people how to parent,” says Professor Sanders, “rather, it gives parents simple and practical strategies they can adapt to suit their own values, beliefs and needs.
“Children who grow up with positive parenting are more likely to develop the skills they need to do well at schoolwork, build friendships, and feel good about themselves.”
They are also much less likely to develop behavioural or emotional problems when they get older. And the parents who use positive parenting skills feel more confident and competent about managing day-to-day family life.
“They are less stressed, less depressed and have less conflict with their partners over parenting issues,” he says.
Triple P is distinctive in that it is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ course. Rather, it is a system that offers increasing levels of support to meet parents’ different needs. Parents can choose anything from one-off public seminars or online programs to more intensive group courses or individual counselling sessions, as well as self-help books and DVDs.
The evidence says it works
The latest international research shows that learning and practising positive parenting not only increases the wellbeing of children and parents, it also improves the health of communities.
An independent evaluation of Triple P’s population approach in the Irish Midlands, for example, found that across the population, parents and children experienced a range of health improvements after Triple P was made available free to parents of children aged up to eight.
Typically, research shows that parents become more confident in their role, use more appropriate discipline, are less stressed and depressed, and couple relationships improve. Children become happier, less anxious, have better peer relationships, and children with conduct problems significantly improve.
A Washington State Institute of Public Policy economic analysis of Triple P estimates a benefit return of $10.41 for every dollar invested in Triple P in the prevention of child maltreatment.
This analysis is based on a ground-breaking US Centers for Disease Control-funded trial in South Carolina, which found population-wide delivery of Triple P across nine counties led to fewer child maltreatment cases, fewer hospitalisations due to child maltreatment, and fewer out-of-home care placements for children.
More than 321 papers evaluating Triple P have been published around the world. Almost half of these are independent evaluations.
In summary, the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is a scientifically researched family intervention strategy designed to assist parents to improve their parenting skills and build positive relationships with their children. And it works.
Timeline:
1960s–’70s: The intervention approach has its origins in social learning theory
1979–81: Professor Matt Sanders develops procedures for dealing with child behavioural and emotional problems through his PhD studies at UQ
1982–95: A clinical training and research operation develops in the UQ Department of Psychiatry, and core programs are designed and tested
1993: The developing system of programs gets a name: the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program
1994: Foundational clinical trials of core programs are completed
1995: The first Triple P resources are published
1996: The Parenting and Family Support Centre is established in the UQ School of Psychology
1996–99: A system of training and dissemination is developed to move from clinical research to a small operation to train allied health professionals nationally
1997: The Parenting and Family Support Centre receives an Australian Violence Prevention Award for Triple P from the Australian Heads of Government
2001: Through UniQuest, Triple P is licensed to Triple P International Pty Ltd to drive international dissemination
2002: Teen Triple P is released for parents of adolescents
2003: Stepping Stones Triple P is released for parents of children with disabilities
2004: Professor Sanders receives an International Collaborative Prevention Science award from the US Society for Prevention Research.
2007: Professor Sanders receives the Australian Psychological Society’s President’s Award for Distinguished Contribution to Psychology
2007: Professor Sanders receives a Trailblazers Award from the US Parenting and Families Special Interest Group in the Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapy, USA
2007: Professor Sanders is named Queenslander of the Year
2008: First population trial is published
2011: Triple P Online is released, one of the first interactive online parent support programs in the world
2013: Professor Sanders receives a Top Innovator Award from UniQuest
2019: More than 146 randomised controlled trials of Triple P interventions have been conducted as well as 61 service evaluations of community-based delivery of Triple P. Over 20 Triple P variants are available, translated into 22 languages other than English, and delivered in 35 countries to millions of families.
(Photo credit: Unsplash/Danielle MacInnes. Photo credit for opening page: Videvo. Words by: Rachel Westbury)