Exploring the scope of parenting programmes/interventions in South Africa: Guided by a systematic review and Delphi method.
| dc.contributor.author | Martin, Genevieve Anastasia | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-01-15T07:24:25Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-01-15T07:24:25Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The most fundamental figures in a child’s life are their caregivers as they play a crucial role in the child’s psychobiological, cognitive, social, psychological and emotional development. A positive influence in this development is fostered through the caregivers’ parenting practices, which may be governed by various factors including, but not limited to, the degree of responsiveness/warmth and demandingness/control exhibited. Parenting interventions refer to programmes designed to assist caregivers in improving their parenting practices and skills to promote positive outcomes in children. This study explored the scope of parenting interventions in South Africa through a mixed-method design, involving a systematic review and Delphi method. The systematic review provided a structured assessment of existing peer-reviewed literature pertaining to the design and delivery of parenting interventions in South Africa. Literature was sourced via a selection of nine databases within UWC’s institutional library repository. The final analysis identified 16 articles which referred to the effectiveness of parenting interventions in South Africa as well as the barriers to intervention. The second phase of this study utilised a Delphi method as a measure to explore key findings from the systematic review. Nine experts in the field of parenting interventions (identified through the systematic review and through expert referral) participated in this phase, highlighting the importance of parenting interventions and the mitigation of barriers. Qualitative data was obtained from nine individual structured interviews that were facilitated either via online meetings or via written response. Data was analysed thematically in conjunction with Braun and Clarke’s six principles. Findings of the study emphasise the need for culturally adaptable, scalable interventions, long-term sustainability and to address the systemic barriers that negatively influence parenting practices and behaviours. This research provides the groundwork for improving parenting interventions and fostering healthy family dynamics and communities. Limitations centred upon contextual relevance, systemic and structural barriers. Future recommendations emphasise the need for broader national representation, gender-diverse expert panels, and culturally relevant, community-based approaches that address socio-economic barriers such as transport, cost, and access to services. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10566/21709 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of the Western Cape | |
| dc.subject | Parenting Style(S) | |
| dc.subject | Parenting Behaviour(S) | |
| dc.subject | Parenting Practice(S) | |
| dc.subject | Parenting Intervention(S) | |
| dc.subject | Parenting Programme(S) | |
| dc.title | Exploring the scope of parenting programmes/interventions in South Africa: Guided by a systematic review and Delphi method. | |
| dc.type | Thesis |