A program evaluation of a culturally adapted parent management training program for conduct-related issues in First Nations children and families - Lauren Dalicandro (2019)

Conduct disorder involves violations of the rights of others and/or conflict with authority figures or societal norms and may include bullying, theft, or other serious antisocial behaviours (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Due to historic discriminatory policies and intergenerational traumas, Indigenous youth are more likely to be exposed to risk factors for conduct disorder (Bombay et al., 2014; Greenfield et al., 2017). Early intervention is the best way to prevent negative future outcomes, including future incarceration, for these children (Baskin-Sommers et al., 2016; Dodge et al., 2015). The Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) program is a well-established early intervention for children with conduct-related behaviours (Augimeri, Walsh, & Slater, 2011; Burke & Loeber, 2015; Pepler et al., 2010). Despite the increased risk of Indigenous youth, this program has rarely been evaluated with Indigenous youth and has never been adapted for First Nations families. The current study tested a culturally and contextually adapted SNAP program for First Nations youth and families. Mixed model regression analysis was used to investigate outcomes before and after SNAP program involvement. Significant improvements in parenting self-efficacy were found within the domains of Control, Discipline and Boundary Setting, and Pressures for specific age groups. Most youth age groups also showed significant decreases in externalizing symptoms, and overall reported symptoms across time points. No significant differences were found between females or males for any TOSPE or CBCL scales. Results are discussed in relation to prior research outcomes with non-Indigenous youth and families with considerations for future research.