Reviewing the need for technological and other expansions of evidence-based parent training for young children

This conceptual review addresses the need for a “portfolio of models of delivery” for parent training services for young children, with a focus on two bodies of literature: barriers that prevent traditional parent training and emerging and novel approaches to parent training that overcome barriers. Traditional, face-to-face parent training programs have an abundance of empirical support for promoting positive parenting and treating mental health conditions in young children, particularly disruptive behavior disorders. Yet available research suggests that only a small minority of those who could benefit from evidence-based parent training actually receives them. Numerous barriers, discussed in one section of the review, prevent families of children with emotional and behavioral challenges from completing, connecting with, and seeking parent training services. For example, parents' negative perceptions of services, unavailability of services, and stigma are all salient barriers that limit the reach of traditional parent training. In the next section of the review, we review preliminary empirical investigations evaluating emerging novel approaches to parent training including modifications to traditional delivery formats, self-directed parent training programs and delivery of parent training in pediatric care settings. For each of these approaches, technology shows promise for expanding the reach of parent training services. If fully developed, this portfolio of models for delivering parent training has the potential to overcome many barriers that prevent parents from receiving parent training information. Ultimately, the purpose of the review is to articulate the need to add additional focus on developing and evaluating novel approaches that can increase the reach of parent training. Next steps for expanding the reach of parent training services are considered.