Effectiveness of web-based distance education for parents in the prevention of emotional neglect and abuse: A randomized controlled study

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of web-based distance education for the prevention of child emotional neglect and abuse by increasing parental awareness of emotional abuse and appropriate attitudes toward child-rearing. Design and Methods This study had a quasi-experimental, randomized controlled design. The study sample included a total of 60 parents who had taken their child to a pediatric outpatient clinic in Turkey. Of 60 parents, 30 were randomly assigned to an experimental group and 30 were randomly assigned to a control group. Data were collected using the Personal Characteristics Form, the Recognition of Emotional Maltreatment Scale (REMS) and the Parental Attitude Research Instrument (PARI). The experimental group was offered a 6-week web-based distance education program focusing on the prevention of child emotional neglect and abuse. Findings There was no significant difference between the posttest scores of the experimental and control groups (P > .05). However, a significant difference was found between pretest and posttest scores of the experimental group for the REMS and its subscales and for the overprotective mothering and strict discipline subscales of the PARI (P < .05). Conclusion The 6-week web-based distance education has the potential to increase parental awareness of child-rearing and emotional abuse. Practice Implications Web-based distance education has a positive effect on parenting attitudes and emotional abuse awareness levels. This form of parent education should, therefore, be utilized further in clinical practice.