A pilot study of the Incredible Years BASIC parenting programme with bereaved families

Abstract

Purpose

Bereaved parents often face the complex situation of managing their own grief while parenting bereaved children who are at increased risk of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The current evaluation was a pilot study aimed at determining the feasibility of the Incredible Years (IY) BASIC parenting programme as an intervention for bereaved families.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of seven parents of children (aged four to 12) participated in a 12‐week IY BASIC parenting programme. Participants completed a range of pre‐intervention, post‐intervention, six month follow‐up measures and semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

The results showed statistically significant reductions in parental stress, parental wellbeing, child behaviour problems, and grief.

Originality/value

There is strong evidence for the effectiveness of IY with diverse parenting populations but this is the first known study of the programme with bereaved families. The findings support its use with such families where child behaviour is a concern.

Citation

Braiden, H., McDaniel, B., Duffy, J. and McCann, M. (2011), "A pilot study of the Incredible Years BASIC parenting programme with bereaved families", Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 6 No. 3, pp. 141-155. https://doi.org/10.1108/17466661111176015