Long-Term Outcomes of Incredible Years Parenting Program: Predictors of Adolescent Adjustment

Background and method: Fifty-eight boys and 20 girls with early onset conduct problems whose parents received the Incredible Years (IY) parent treatment program when they were 3-8 years (mean 58.7 months) were contacted and reassessed regarding their social and emotional adjustment 8-12 years later. Assessments included home interviews with parents and teenagers separately. Results and conclusion: Adolescent reports indicated that 10% were in the clinical range on internalising behaviours, 23% had engaged in major delinquent acts, and 46% reported some substance use. Eighteen percent of children had criminal justice system involvement and 42% had elevated levels of externalising behaviours (mother report). Post-treatment factors predicting negative outcomes (delinquent acts) were maternal reports of behaviour problems and observed mother-child coercion.