Digital parenting program for migrant Chinese families: a quasi-experimental study

Journal article

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-directed online program, Parenting for Lifelong Health for Young Children (PLH-YC), in enhancing positive parenting practices among migrant families in China.

Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed, with 67 parents of children aged 2–9 years assigned to either an intervention group (n = 24) or a control group (n = 43). Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected.

Results: Parents in the intervention group showed significant improvements in proactive parenting strategies and parent–child relationships compared to those in the control group. However, the intervention had no significant impact on child maltreatment, externalizing behaviors, or other parenting outcomes. Qualitative assessment revealed themes including adopting positive parenting practices, enhancing parental mental health, and promoting desired parenting outcomes.

Conclusion: The self-directed online PLH-YC program demonstrates its potential as a scalable, low-cost solution for disadvantaged parents in low- and middle-income countries.

Authors: Wang, Z; Wang, X; Wang, W; Lachman, JM; Zhang, H

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Journal: Research on Social Work Practice
• Publication date: 2025-05-02
• DOI: 10.1177/10497315251338470
• EISSN: 1552-7581
• ISSN: 1049-7315
• Language: English
• Keywords: violence research; clinical trials and supportive activities; basic behavioral and social science; health disparities; pediatric; prevention; behavioral and social science; clinical research; mental health