CompletedInterventional

The 3P Study: Optimisation and feasibility of Triple P parenting programme for remote delivery

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is an eight-week course designed to help families build stronger relationships and manage children's behaviour with confidence. While usually taught in face-to-face groups, it moved online via video calls during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 3P Study is exploring how well this online format works across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Researchers want to learn if remote video sessions give parents the same benefits as meeting in person. Around 96 parents of children under 12 will take part, split between online and face-to-face groups. Participants and their children (aged 8 to 12) will fill in questionnaires about family life, well-being, and behaviour before the course and 16 weeks later. Some parents will also be interviewed. The study aims to make parenting support more flexible and accessible for families across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Cardiff University

Enrolment target

Start

15 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2024

Positive parenting for parents/caregivers of children aged 0-12 years old.

What is this study about?

Parenting can be very rewarding, but it also brings everyday challenges. The Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) is a well-known, practical course that helps parents build warm relationships with their children and manage difficult behaviour calmly. It typically runs as an eight-week group course where parents learn together and share experiences.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Triple P courses quickly shifted online using video platforms like Zoom. This made it easier for some busy parents to attend from home without travelling or arranging childcare. However, because this change happened so quickly, researchers need to check whether online groups are just as helpful, engaging, and cost-effective as meeting in a room together.

The 3P Study is being led by researchers from Cardiff University and the University of Oxford. By comparing face-to-face groups with online sessions across the UK, the team hopes to find out what works best. The findings will help local family services provide high-quality, flexible support to parents who need it most.

Key takeaways

Tests whether online Triple P parenting groups work as well as traditional face-to-face groups.
Open to UK parents and carers of children aged 0 to 12.
Involves an eight-week parenting programme and two sets of questionnaires over 16 weeks.
No medication or medical treatments are involved.
Aims to make parenting support more flexible and accessible for families across the UK.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to parents and primary caregivers aged 18 and over who look after at least one child aged 0 to 12 years. You can be a biological parent, step-parent, adoptive parent, or foster carer, provided you spend a significant part of each week actively caring for your child.

You must be comfortable speaking and understanding English, as the group sessions, discussions, and survey forms are carried out in English.

You cannot take part if you have already attended a 'Level 4 Group Triple P' programme in the past. This is because the researchers want to see how the course works for parents learning these strategies for the first time.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am a parent or caregiver aged 18 or older.
I actively care for at least one child aged 0 to 12 for a significant part of the week.
I can speak and understand English well enough to join group discussions and answer questions.
I have not previously attended a Level 4 Group Triple P programme.
I am able to attend weekly group sessions (either in person or online via video call).

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part involves joining an eight-week Triple P parenting course, which will be held either in person or online via video calls (such as Zoom). You will be asked to fill in survey forms before the programme begins and again about 16 weeks later. These surveys ask about your family life, your parenting confidence, and your child's emotions and behaviour. If your child is between 8 and 12 years old, they will also be invited to complete a short questionnaire. There are no medicines or medical procedures involved. In addition to the weekly sessions, researchers may ask to observe some classes or invite you to a short interview to hear your thoughts on how the programme went.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may not directly benefit your family, but the course is designed to offer helpful tips and strategies for everyday parenting. Your feedback will also help improve parenting support for other UK families in the future. There are no physical risks, though some survey questions touch on personal topics like family stress and emotions, which some people may find sensitive. You can skip any questions you prefer not to answer. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to leave the study at any time without giving a reason or losing access to your usual family support.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Centre for Trials Research (CTR)
City only
Cardiff, Wales

Common questions

Do I have to pay to take part?

No, taking part in the study and attending the Triple P sessions is completely free.

Will taking part involve any medication or clinical tests?

No, this is a parenting education programme and research project. There are no medications, blood tests, or medical procedures involved.

Does my child have to answer the questions?

No, if your child is aged 8 to 12, their participation is entirely optional. They only take part if both you and your child agree, and they can stop at any time.

How do the online sessions work?

Online groups take place over video-calling apps like Zoom. You will need a quiet space, an internet connection, and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera.

What happens if I change my mind?

You are free to stop taking part at any time. Leaving the study will not affect any healthcare, childcare, or council services you or your family receive.

How to find out more

Linda Adara

3PStudy@cardiff.ac.uk +44(0)29 20687624 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.