Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The Promotion of Self-Regulation Through Parenting Interventions

  • Published:
Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review Aims and scope Submit manuscript

An Erratum to this article was published on 13 September 2014

Abstract

The capacity for a parent to self-regulate their own performance is argued to be a fundamental process underpinning the maintenance of positive, nurturing, non-abusive parenting practices that promote good developmental and health outcomes in children. Deficits in self-regulatory capacity, which have their origins in early childhood, are common in many psychological disorders, and strengthening self-regulation skills is widely recognised as an important goal in many psychological therapies and is a fundamental goal in preventive interventions. Attainment of enhanced self-regulation skills enables individuals to gain a greater sense of personal control and mastery over their life. This paper illustrates how the self-regulatory principles can be applied to parenting and family-based interventions at the level of the child, parent, practitioner and organisation. The Triple P—Positive Parenting Program, which uses a self-regulatory model of intervention, is used as an example to illustrate the robustness and versatility of the self-regulation approach to all phases of the parent consultation process.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Allen, K. E., Hart, B. M., Buell, J. S., Harris, F. R., & Wolf, M. M. (1964). Effects of social reinforcement on isolate behavior of a nursery school child. Child Development, 35, 511–518.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, P. (2002). Assessment and development of executive function (EF) during childhood. Child Neuropsychology, 8, 71–82.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Avakame, E. F. (1998). Intergenerational transmission of violence, self-control, and conjugal violence: A comparative analysis of physical violence and psychological aggression. Violence and Victims, 13, 301–316.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Backer, T. E., Liberman, R. P., & Kuehnel, T. G. (1986). Dissemination and adoption of innovative psychosocial interventions. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 111–118.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1977a). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behaviorial change. Psychological Review, 84, 191–215.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1977b). Social learning theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1991). Social cognitive theory of moral thought and action. In W. M. Kurtines & J. L. Gewirtz (Eds.), Handbook of moral behavior and development (Vol. 1, pp. 45–103). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1994). Self-efficacy. In V. S. Ramachaudran (Ed.), Encyclopedia of human behavior (Vol. 4, pp. 71–81). New York, NY: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barlow, D. H., Allen, L. B., & Choate, M. L. (2004). Toward a unified treatment of emotional disorders. Behavior Therapy, 35, 205–230.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baumeister, R. F., Heatherton, T. F., & Tice, D. M. (1994). Losing control: How and why people fail at self-regulation. San Diego, CA: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bouchard, T. J, Jr. (2004). Genetic influence on human psychological traits: A survey. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 13, 148–151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campis, L., Lyman, R. D., & Prentice-Dunn, S. (1986). The parental locus of control scale: Development and validation. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 15, 260–267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carver, C. S., & Scheier, M. F. (2011). Self-regulation of action and affect. In K. D. Vohs & R. F. Baumeister (Eds.), Handbook of self-regulation: Research, theory, and applications (2nd ed., pp. 3–21). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chan, R. C. K., Shum, D., Toulopoulou, T., & Chen, E. Y. H. (2008). Assessment of executive functions: Review of instruments and identification of critical issues. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 23, 201–216.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Coleman, P. K., & Karraker, K. H. (2000). Parenting self-efficacy among mothers of school-age children: Conceptualisation, measurement, and correlates. Family Relations, 49, 13–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. New York, NY: Harper Perennial.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dadds, M. R., Schwartz, S., & Sanders, M. R. (1987). Marital discord and treatment outcome in the treatment of childhood conduct disorders. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55, 396–403.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Luca, C. R., & Leventer, R. J. (2008). Developmental trajectories of executive functions across the lifespan. In V. Anderson & P. J. Anderson (Eds.), Executive functions and frontal lobes: A lifespan perspective (pp. 23–56). Philadelphia, PA: Taylor and Francis.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duckworth, A. L., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2005). Self-discipline outdoes IQ in predicting academic performance of adolescents. Psychological Science, 16, 939–944.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dumka, L. E., Stoerzinger, H. D., Jackson, K. M., & Roosa, M. W. (1996). Examination of the cross-cultural and cross-language equivalence of the parenting self-agency measure. Family Relations, 45, 216–222.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ebstein, R. P. (2006). The molecular genetic architecture of human personality: Beyond self-report questionnaires. Molecular Psychiatry, 11, 427–445.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eisenberg, N. (2004). Prosocial and moral development in the family. In T. A. Thorkildsen & H. J. Walberg (Eds.), Nurturing morality (pp. 119–135). New York, NY: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Finkenauer, C., Engels, R. C. M. E., & Baumeister, R. F. (2005). Parenting behaviour and adolescent behavioural and emotional problems: The role of self-control. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 29, 58–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fixsen, D. L., Blase, K. A., Naoom, S. F., & Wallace, F. (2009). Core implementation components. Research on Social Work Practice, 19, 531–540.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fixsen, D. L., Naoom, S. F., Blase, K. A., Friedman, R. M., & Wallace, F. (2005). Implementation research: A synthesis of the literature. Tampa, FL: University of South Florida, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, The National Implementation Research Network.

    Google Scholar 

  • Foster, E. M., Prinz, R. J., Sanders, M. R., & Shapiro, C. J. (2008). The costs of a public health infrastructure for delivering parenting and family support. Children and Youth Services Review, 30, 493–501.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gioia, G. A., Isquith, P. K., Guy, S. C., & Kenworthy, L. (2000). Behavior rating inventory of executive function. Child Neuropsychology, 6, 235–238.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gioia, G. A., Isquith, P. K., Kenworthy, L., & Barton, R. M. (2002). Profiles of everyday executive function in acquired developmental disorders. Child Neuropsychology, 8, 121–137.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gollwitzer, P. M. (1999). Implementation intentions: Strong effects of simple plans. American Psychologist, 54, 493–503.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grant, A. M., & Schwartz, B. (2011). Too much of a good thing: The challenge and opportunity of the inverted U. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 6, 61–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guimond, A. B., Wilcox, M. J., & Lamorey, S. G. (2008). The early intervention parenting self-efficacy scale (EIPSES): Scale construction and initial psychometric evidence. Journal of Early Intervention, 30, 295–320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton, V. E., Matthews, J. M., & Crawford, S. B. (2013). Development and preliminary validation of a parenting self-regulation scale: “Me as a parent” (manuscript submitted for publication).

  • Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (1999). Acceptance and commitment therapy: An experiential approach to behavior change. New York, NY: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, C., & Mash, E. J. (1989). A measure of parenting satisfaction and efficacy. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 18, 167–175.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karoly, P. (1993). Mechanisms of self-regulation: A systems view. Annual Review of Psychology, 44, 23–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karreman, A., van Tuijl, C., van Aken, M. A. G., & Dekovic, M. (2008). Parenting, coparenting, and effortful control in preschoolers. Journal of Family Psychology, 22, 30–40.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kashdan, T. B., & Rottenberg, J. (2010). Psychological flexibility as a fundamental aspect of health. Clinical Psychology Review, 30, 467–480.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kendall, P. C., & Braswell, L. (1982). Cognitive-behavioral self-control therapy for children: A components analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 50, 672–689.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kendall, P. C., & Braswell, L. (1985). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for impulsive children. New York, NY: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kendall, P. C., & Wilcox, L. E. (1979). Self-control in children: Development of a rating scale. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 47, 1020–1029.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kendall, P. C., & Wilcox, L. E. (1980). Cognitive-behavioral treatment for impulsivity: Concrete versus conceptual training in non-self-controlled problem children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 48(80–9), 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kendall, P. C., & Zupan, B. A. (1981). Individual versus group application of cognitive-behavioral self-control procedures with children. Behavior Therapy, 12, 344–359.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Knudsen, E. I., Heckman, J. J., Cameron, J. L., & Shonkoff, J. P. (2006). Economic, neurobiological, and behvioral perspectives on building America’s future workforce. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 103, 10155–10162.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Koole, S. L., van Dillen, L. F., & Sheppes, G. (2011). The self-regulation of emotion. In K. D. Vohs & R. F. Baumeister (Eds.), Handbook of self-regulation: Research, theory, and applications (2nd ed., pp. 22–40). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kopp, C. B. (1982). Antecedents of self-regulation: A developmental perspective. Developmental Psychology, 18, 199–214.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. New York, NY: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malott, R. (1988). Rule-governed behavior and behavioral anthropology. The Behavior Analyst, 11, 181–203.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Martell, C. R., Addis, M. E., & Jacobson, N. S. (2001). Depression in context: Strategies for guided action. New York, NY: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martell, C. R., Dimidjian, S., & Herman-Dunn, R. (2010). Behavioral activation for depression: A clinician’s guide. New York, NY: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mazzucchelli, T. G., Kane, R. T., & Rees, C. S. (2010). Behavioral activation interventions for well-being: A meta-analysis. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 5, 105–121.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mezo, P. G. (2009). The Self-Control and Self-Management Scale (SCMS): Development of an adaptive self-regulatory coping skills instrument. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 31, 83–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mihalopoulos, C., Sanders, M. R., Turner, K. M. T., Murphy-Brennan, M., & Carter, R. (2007). Does the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program provide value for money? Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 41, 239–246.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mischel, W., Shoda, Y., & Peake, P. K. (1988). The nature of adolescent competencies predicted by preschool delay of gratification. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54, 687–696.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moffitt, T. E., Arseneault, L., Belsky, D., Dickson, N., Hancox, R. J., Harrington, H., et al. (2011). A gradient of childhood self-control predicts health, wealth, and public safety. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 108, 2693–2698.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Muraven, M., Baumeister, R. F., & Tice, D. M. (1999). Longitudinal improvement of self-regulation through practice: Building self-control strength through repeated exercise. The Journal of Social Psychology, 139, 446–457.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nezu, A. M. (1986). Efficacy of a social problem-solving therapy approach for unipolar depression. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 196–202.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nowak, C., & Heinrichs, N. (2008). A comprehensive meta-analysis of Triple P—Positive Parenting Program using hierarchical linear modeling: Effectiveness and moderating variables. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 11, 114–144.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Papies, E. K., & Aarts, H. (2011). Nonconscious self-regulation, or the automatic pilot of human behavior. In K. D. Vohs & R. F. Baumeister (Eds.), Handbook of self-regulation: Research, theory, and applications (2nd ed., pp. 125–142). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, G. R., & Chamberlain, P. (1994). A functional analysis of resistance during parent training therapy. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 1, 53–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prinz, R. J., Sanders, M. R., Shapiro, C. J., Whitaker, D. J., & Lutzker, J. R. (2009). Population-based prevention of child maltreatment: The US Triple P system population trial. Prevention Science, 10, 1–12.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rehm, L. P. (1977). A self-control model of depression. Behavior Therapy, 8, 787–804.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robin, A. L., Fischel, J. E., & Brown, K. E. (1984). The measurement of self-control in children: Validation of the Self-control Rating Scale. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 9, 165–175.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rohrbeck, C. A., Azar, S. T., & Wagner, P. E. (1991). Child Self-Control Rating Scale: Validation of a child self-report measure. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 20, 179–183.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, M. R. (1998). The empirical status of psychological interventions with families of children and adolescents. In L. L’Abate (Ed.), Family psychopathology: The relational roots of dysfunctional behavior (pp. 427–465). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, M. R. (1999). Triple P-Positive Parenting Program: Towards an empirically validated multilevel parenting and family support strategy for the prevention of behavior and emotional problems in children. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 2, 71–90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, M. R. (2008). Triple P—Positive Parenting Program as a public health approach to strengthening parenting. Journal of Family Psychology, 22, 506–517.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, M. R., Baker, S., & Turner, K. M. T. (2012a). A randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of Triple P Online with parents of children with early onset conduct problems. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 50, 675–684.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, M. R., & Glynn, E. L. (1981). Training parents in behavioral self-management: An analysis of generalization and maintenance effects. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 14, 223–237.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, M. R., & Lawton, J. (1993). Discussing assessment findings with families: The guided participation model of information transfer. Child and Family Behavior Therapy, 15, 5–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, M. R., Mazzucchelli, T. G., & Ralph, A. (2012b). Promoting parenting competence through a self-regulation approach to feedback. In R. M. Sutton, M. J. Hornsey, & K. M. Douglas (Eds.), Feedback: The communication of praise, criticism, and advice (pp. 305–321). New York, NY: Peter Lang.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, M. R., & McFarland, M. (2000). Treatment of depressed mothers with disruptive children: A controlled evaluation of cognitive behavioral family intervention. Behavior Therapy, 31, 89–112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, M. R., McGee, E., Loureiro, T., & Murphy, M. (2013). Peer-Assisted Supervision and Support (PASS): Peer support and self-regulation training to promote effective implementation of evidence-based parenting interventions (manuscript in preparation).

  • Sanders, M. R., Murphy-Brennan, M., & McAuliffe, C. (2003). The development, evaluation and dissemination of a training program for general practitioners in evidence-based parent consultation skills. International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 5(4), 13–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, M. R., Prinz, R. J., & Shapiro, C. J. (2009). Predicting utilization of evidence-based parenting interventions with organizational, service-provider and client variables. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 36, 133–143.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, M. R., Ralph, A., Sofronoff, K., Gardiner, P., Thompson, R., Dwyer, S., et al. (2008). Every family: A population approach to reducing behavioral and emotional problems in children making the transition to school. Journal of Primary Prevention, 29, 197–222.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, M. R., & Turner, K. M. T. (2005). Reflections on the challenges of effective dissemination of behavioural family intervention: Our experience with the Triple P—Positive Parenting Program. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 10, 158–169.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, M. R., Turner, K. M. T., & Markie-Dadds, C. (1998). Practitioner’s manual for enhanced Triple P. Brisbane: Families International Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, M. R., & Woolley, M. L. (2005). The relationship between maternal self-efficacy and parenting practices: Implications for parent training. Care, Health and Child, Development, 31, 65–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Senn, T. E., Espy, K. A., & Kaufmann, P. M. (2004). Using path analysis to understand executive function organization in preschool children. Developmental Neuropsychology, 26, 445–464.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shoda, Y., Mischel, W., & Peake, P. K. (1990). Predicting adolescent cognitive and self-regulatory competencies from preschool delay of gratification: Identifying diagnostic conditions. Developmental Psychology, 26, 978–986.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smart, D., Richardson, N., Sanson, A., Dussuyer, I., Marshall, B., Toumbourou, J. W., et al. (2005). Patterns and precursors to adolescent antisocial behaviour: Outcomes and connections. Melbourne: Australian Institute of Family Studies.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stokes, T. F., & Baer, D. M. (1977). An implicit technology of generalization. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 10(2), 349–367.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tangney, J. P., Baumeister, R. F., & Boone, A. (2004). High self-control predicts good adjustment, less pathology, better grades, and interpersonal success. Journal of Personality, 72, 271–324.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tremblay, R. E., Boulerice, B., Arseneault, L., & Niscale, M. J. (1995). Does low self-control during childhood explain the association between delinquency and accidents in early adolescence? Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, 5, 439–451.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tsukayama, E., Toomey, S. L., Faith, M. S., & Duckworth, A. L. (2010). Self-control as a protective factor against overweight status in the transition from childhood to adolescence. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 164, 631–635.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Valiente, C., Lemery-Chalfant, K., & Reiser, M. (2007). Pathways to problem behaviors: Chaotic homes, parent and child effortful control, and parenting. Social Development, 16, 249–267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Webster-Stratton, C. (1998). Preventing conduct problems in head start children: Strengthening parenting competencies. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 66, 715–730.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Webster-Stratton, C., & Taylor, T. K. (1998). Adopting and implementing empirically supported interventions: A recipe for success. In A. Buchanan & B. L. Hudson (Eds.), Parenting, schooling and children’s behaviour: Interdisciplinary approaches (pp. 127–160). Aldershot: Ashgate.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zubrick, S. R., Ward, K., Silburn, S. R., Lawrence, D., Williams, A. A., Blair, E., et al. (2005). Prevention of child behavior problems through universal implementation of a group behavioral family intervention. Prevention Science, 6, 287–304.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Parenting and Family Support Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia

    Matthew R. Sanders & Trevor G. Mazzucchelli

  2. School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia

    Trevor G. Mazzucchelli

Authors
  1. Matthew R. Sanders
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Trevor G. Mazzucchelli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matthew R. Sanders.

Additional information

An erratum to this article is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10567-014-0173-3.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Sanders, M.R., Mazzucchelli, T.G. The Promotion of Self-Regulation Through Parenting Interventions. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 16, 1–17 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-013-0129-z

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-013-0129-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation