Table 1 Qualitative themes about parenting interventions revealed in pilot data collection with 13 parents, 11 adolescents, and 3 residential staff
Theme | Group | Findings |
|---|---|---|
Parent only sessions | Parent | Parents wanted more (and not fewer) “parent only” sessions |
Parents wanted “parent only” sessions incorporated into existing visits/obligations when possible | ||
Staff | Residential staff described typical “parent only” sessions as focused on case management | |
Parenting skills | Parent | Parents were interested in learning new ways to manage their teen’s behavior |
When asked to rate their interest in receiving a parenting skills intervention, all but one parent gave the highest possible rating (very interested) | ||
Adolescents | Adolescents thought their parents would benefit from skills in the areas of stress management, communication, and conflict reduction | |
Staff | Residential staff felt that parents most needed help with monitoring and communication | |
Timing | Parents | Parents described a mismatch between when it was easiest to attend sessions (while the teen was in residential) and when sessions were typically offered (immediately post-discharge) |
Parents stated a preference for fewer in-person sessions post-discharge | ||
Staff | Residential staff estimated that at least 2/3 of parents attended sessions while the teen was in treatment, but that fewer than 1/3 attended post-discharge sessions | |
Computer | Parents | Parents unanimously expressed comfort using computers or smartphones |
Virtually all parents reported looking for information about their teen’s treatment via the internet | ||
Multiple parents said they wished they could connect with an expert and other parents online | ||
Delivery | Parents | Parents liked the idea of technology as an add-on but didn’t want to lose the “human element” |
Parents rank ordered different delivery options for a parenting intervention: parents most preferred mixed (in-person + computer) support and least preferred computer only | ||
Staff | Residential staff had a strong preference for a mixed (in-person + computer) approach over computer only |