Assessing the benefits of a parenting skills training program: A theoretical approach to predicting direct and moderating effects

Using a theoretical model to ground this investigation, specific hypotheses about factors that moderate the benefits of attending the Preparing for the Drug-Free Years (PDFY) program were tested. PDFY is a skills-training program designed to teach parents and children skills that reduce a child's risk for drug and alcohol use. We hypothesized that high levels of family stress (i.e., marital difficulties or financial concerns) reduce the benefits of program attendance, and that strong pre-program skills (i.e., parental communication, parental negativity, or parent-child relationship quality) increase the benefits of program attendance. These hypotheses were experimentally tested on a sample of families that each included a sixth or seventh grade child. The results for fathers (N = 144) supported the study hypotheses, while mothers (N = 150) who benefited most from program participation showed the weakest pre-program communication skills and reported the greatest marital difficulties.