Introduction: Pakistan is home to 4.6 million orphaned children residing in either state run or charity run residential settings. It increases children's vulnerability, as they are exposed to conditions or circumstances that are not within their control. An inadequate caregiving environment in an orphanage can negatively impact children's well-being, while a lack of specialized training can induce work-related stress and lower self-efficacy among caregivers.
Purpose: This study examined the effectiveness of Group Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) with caregivers of children in Pakistani orphanages.
Method: This study was a feasibility trial using a quasi-experimental within-group design to assess the effectiveness of Group Triple P among caregivers working in orphanages of Lahore, Pakistan. Fourteen caregivers across three orphanages completed self-report questionnaires and took part in the training. Assessment occurred at three points in time: pre-and post-intervention and at six months follow-up.
Results: A repeated measures ANOVA indicated that the personal well-being of the caregivers improved following intervention. There was also a significant increase in caregivers' parenting efficacy and a decrease in the use of dysfunctional parenting practices. The frequency and number of children's challenging behaviours was reported to decrease significantly, along with a significant increase in warmth and reduction in negativity in caregiver-child relationships.
Conclusions: This study was the first to implement Group Triple P in an orphanage context and explore its effectiveness for caregivers and the children in their care. The outcomes support the use of an evidence-based parenting intervention with orphanage caregivers who are in a proxy parenting role.