Group-Based Parenting Programs for Single-Parent Families: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Single-parent families often face cumulative social and economic vulnerabilities that can influence parenting and increase the use of harsh or violent disciplinary strategies. Parenting programs have the potential to strengthen positive parenting practices and prevent violence against children. However, little is known about the effectiveness of parenting programs implemented with single-parent families. The present systematic review aimed to analyze empirical studies on single parents' participation in group-based parenting programs delivered in person, online, or in hybrid formats, and the effects of these programs on parenting and children's behavioral outcomes. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycArticles, Lilacs, and SciELO databases was conducted to identify studies of group-based parenting programs delivered to single parents. In this systematic review, 14 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The 14 included studies evaluated 11 parenting programs. The majority of studies (93%) reported improvements in parental or child outcomes; 100% in positive parenting practices; 83% in parental stress; 87% in depressive symptoms; and 60% in reducing negative parenting practices. Furthermore, all studies that assessed child outcomes reported improvements in children's behaviors and reduced psychopathological symptoms. Regarding the methodological quality, 57% of the studies were classified as strong, 22% as moderate, and 21% as weak. The improvements in parenting and child behavior outcomes encourage the implementation of parenting programs for single parents.