One or many? Which and how many parenting variables should be targeted in interventions to reduce children's externalizing behavior?

This research compared the efficacy of two parenting interventions that vary according to the number and the nature of variables in reducing preschoolers' externalizing behavior (EB). The goal was to identify which parenting intervention format (one-variable versus two-variable) caused higher behavioral adjustment in children. The first was a one-variable intervention manipulating parental self-efficacy beliefs.

Stimulating parents' self-efficacy beliefs or verbal responsiveness: Which is the best way to decrease children's externalizing behaviors?

This research aimed at determining which of two types of parenting variable, self-efficacy beliefs and verbal responsiveness, cause significant decreases in preschoolers' externalizing behavior - in particular motor activity, non compliance, irritability, aggressiveness and inattention - and to what extent. Two micro-trials were used to achieve this goal. The 45 parents participating were randomly assigned to an 8-week waiting list followed by an 8-week intervention condition focusing on self-efficacy stimulation, or to an 8-week intervention condition focusing on verbal responsiveness stimulation.