JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Disruptive behaviour disorders are among the most common disorders of childhood and evidence-based parenting programs are the first line treatment. Digital micro interventions have been proposed as one possible means of supporting parenting style change by giving parents in-the-moment advice about how to respond to challenging behaviour. Until now, no digital micro intervention supporting evidence-based parenting skills programs has been evaluated.

Objective:

To evaluate the subjective experience of parents using a digital micro intervention to support evidence-based parenting skills, with particular attention to acceptability, usability, family relationships, and parents’ values.

Methods:

We conducted serial interviews with 11 parents of 33 children before and after spending 3 weeks using an app including three digital micro interventions. Parents were recruited via local authorities in the Midlands region of the UK. Previous participation in a parenting program was an inclusion criteria. Interviews explored family composition, child behaviour problems, and experience of using the mobile app, including barriers to use. Thematic analysis was conducted from a user-centred design perspective and illustrative case vignettes produced.

Results:

Many parents used the app in ways that helped them rather than strictly following the instructions they were given. Parents described a range of barriers to using the app including practical problems and failure to change child behaviour. Parents and children responded in a variety of ways to the use of the phone, many wholeheartedly embracing the convenience of technology. Case vignettes illustrate the uniqueness of each family’s experience.

Conclusions:

Parents’ use of a mobile app supporting evidence-based parenting skills is difficult to predict due to the unique challenges each family encounters. Many parents found it an acceptable and helpful addition to family life but increased personalization is likely to be key to supporting parents. Future digital microintervention developers should keep in mind that parents are likely to use the app pragmatically rather than following instructions, may struggle to use a complex app under pressure, and are likely to hold complex feelings about parenting with an app.