Comparison of the Effectiveness of Positive Parenting Training and Choice Theory–Based Parenting Training on the Parent–Child Relationship
Keywords:
Positive parenting, Choice Theory–based parenting, parent–child relationship.Abstract
Purpose: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of positive parenting training and Choice Theory–based parenting training on the parent–child relationship.
Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group and a follow-up assessment. The statistical population consisted of all mothers of boys aged 6 to 9 years enrolled in schools within Educational District 6 of the Mashhad Department of Education during the 2025–2026 academic year. Participants were selected using purposive non-probability sampling based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria (Group 1: positive parenting training, n = 15; Group 2: Choice Theory–based parenting training, n = 15; Group 3: control, n = 15). Following selection, participants were randomly assigned by lottery to the positive parenting training and Choice Theory–based parenting training intervention groups. Data were collected using the short form of the Mother–Child Relationship Scale developed by Pianta (1994). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (repeated-measures analysis of variance).
Findings: The findings indicated that both interventions had a positive and statistically significant effect on improving the parent–child relationship. However, Choice Theory–based parenting training was more effective in strengthening the parent–child relationship. These effects remained stable at the follow-up assessment.
Conclusion: Both educational approaches demonstrated practical effectiveness in improving the parent–child relationship. However, the Choice Theory approach, with its emphasis on empathic communication and understanding children's psychological needs, was more effective in fostering a deeper emotional bond between mothers and their children. It is recommended that future parent education programs integrate both approaches to maximize intervention effectiveness.
Downloads
References
Attaran, N., Mozaffari, M., Ghorban Jahromi, R., & Aminimanesh, S. (2024). The Effectiveness of Positive Parenting Training and Mentalization-Based Parenting in Improving the Mother-Child Relationship. Journal of Psychological Science, 23(143), 59-78. https://doi.org/10.52547/JPS.23.143.2629
Bagheri Movahed, M. (2025). The Effect of Choice Theory-Based Parenting Training on Mothers' Self-Efficacy Beliefs and the Self-Esteem and Responsibility of Their 6- to 12-Year-Old Children. Second National Conference on the Humanities with a Modern Approach and First International Research Conference of Modern Educators, Astara, Iran.
Bahramian, S. F., & Sheikholeslami, R. (2024). The Effectiveness of Positive Parenting Skills Training on Emotional Reactivity and Coping Self-Efficacy among Adolescent Students. Quarterly Journal of Psychological Achievements, 31(1), 253-272. https://doi.org/10.22055/psy.2022.42057.2920
Dreidi, M., Asmar, I., Tawafsha, A., Syam, B., Izzaldeen, H., Nassar, W., & Barakat, I. (2024). The Effects of the Mother-Child Relationship and Mother's Personality Traits on the Child's Emotional and Behavioral Well-Being. Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 30(5), 470-475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnn.2024.01.008
Fulkerson, M. H. (2023). Integrating Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) with Choice Theory and Reality Therapy. International Journal of Choice Theory & Reality Therapy, 43(1), 28-36.
Hamed Abd Elaleem, A. E. M., Halim Osman, Z. A., & El-Fatah, W. O. A. (2023). The Effect of a Behavioral Training Program for Parents on Disruptive Behavior among Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery, 59, 137. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41983-023-00738-z
Li, M., Zhang, N., & Wang, S. (2026). Efficacy of an Online Positive Parenting Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Family Relations, 8. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.70276
McAloon, J., & Armstrong, S. M. (2024). The Effects of Online Behavioral Parenting Interventions on Child Outcomes, Parenting Ability, and Parent Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 27(2), 523-549. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-024-00477-4
Moghimi, H., & Ghazanfari, A. (2025). Comparing the Effectiveness of Choice Theory-Based Parenting and Schema Therapy-Based Parenting on Emotion Regulation and Responsibility among Mothers. Clinical Psychology and Counseling Research, 15(2), 72-98. https://doi.org/10.22067/tpccp.2025.90146.1702
Nomaguchi, K., & Allen, A. (2023). Mother-Child Relationship Quality from Preschool to Adolescence: Variation by Maternal Education. Personal Relationships, 30(2), 399-418. https://doi.org/10.1111/pere.12475
Nooripour, R., Sikstrom, S., Mokhtarpour, M., Chenarani, H., Emadi, F., Lavie, C., Ilanloo, H., & Hosseinian, S. (2023). Effectiveness of Group Training Based on Choice Theory on Internalizing Problems, Empathy, and Identity Transformations among Male Adolescents. Journal of Research & Health, 13(3), 197-208. https://doi.org/10.32598/JRH.13.3.2096.2
Paknejad, M., Nematzadeh Gatabi, S., & Ebrahimimoghadam, H. (2025). The Effectiveness of Positive Parenting Training on Parenting Stress and Parental Self-Efficacy among Mothers of Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Rooyesh-e-Ravanshenasi Journal, 14(9), 85-94. http://frooyesh.ir/article-1-6131
Ricker, B. T., Cooley, J. L., Dennis, V. E., Streicher, B. E., Mitchell, T. B., Cummings, C., & Singer, J. (2026). Evaluating a Brief Telehealth Positive Parenting Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial. 27(390). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-026-01894-3
Sharma, A., Kumar, R., & Singh, S. K. (2026). Effectiveness of Parenting Education Modules in Enhancing Knowledge of Positive Discipline and Child Development among Mothers. Journal of education and health promotion, 30(15). https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_166_25
Shirazi, A., & Karami Baghtifouni, Z. (2024). The Effectiveness of Positive Parenting Training on Academic Engagement, Academic Well-Being, and Hope for Education among Elementary School Students in Varamin. First International and Second National Conference on Quality Living from the Perspectives of Psychology, Counseling, and Social Work, Khomeini Shahr, Iran.
Tuntipuchitanon, S., Kangwanthiti, I. O., Jirakran, K., Trairatvorakul, P., & Chonchaiya, W. (2024). Online Positive Parenting Programme for Promoting Parenting Competencies and Skills: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Scientific reports, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-70842-4
Xi, J. Y., Zhong, S. R., Zhou, Y. X., Lin, X., & Hao, Y. T. (2023). Effects of Family Multigenerational Relationships on Multimorbidity and Healthy Life Expectancy for Second Generations: Insights from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. BMC Geriatrics, 23(1), 100. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-03714-z
Xu, H., Xiao, W., Xie, Y., Xu, S., Wan, Y., & Tao, F. (2023). Association of Parent-Child Relationship Quality and Problematic Mobile Phone Use with Nonsuicidal Self-Injury among Adolescents. BMC psychiatry, 23(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-04786-w
Yao, A., Shimada, K., Kasaba, R., & Tomoda, A. (2022). Beneficial Effects of Behavioral Parent Training on Inhibitory Control in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Small-Scale Randomized Controlled Trial. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 859249. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.859249
Downloads
Publication Timeline
- Submitted
- Revised
- Accepted
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Mitra Shahraeeni (Author); Ali Mohammadzadeh Ebrahimi; Tayebe Rahimi Pordanjani (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
