Effects of "Parenting in Sweden" on Trust in Social Services

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Parent-Child Relations; Immigrant

• Registration Number: NCT06874998
• Lead Sponsor: Karolinska Institutet

Brief Summary

Supporting Parents in a New Country

Adjusting to parenthood in a new country presents significant challenges. Many immigrant parents face language barriers, financial difficulties, and cultural differences that can complicate their ability to support their children's adaptation to Swedish society. These challenges can contribute to increased stress within the family and, in some cases, elevate the risk of child maltreatment-particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. However, research suggests that strong social support and positive parenting strategies can mitigate these risks.

Sweden, known for its high levels of trust in authorities, has implemented various initiatives to assist families, especially those new to the country. One such initiative is Parenting in Sweden (PiS), a structured program designed to help foreign-born parents navigate Swedish society, understand their rights, and support their children's development. Delivered in five sessions, the program covers key topics such as the Swedish school system, healthcare services, parental rights, and challenges related to raising teenagers.

This study aims to assess whether participation in PiS increase parents' trust in social services. Additionally, it explores whether the program encourages parents to enroll their children in extracurricular activities, which are known to support child development. Another important aspect under investigation is whether the program can help reduce the risk of parents resorting to harsh disciplinary practices.

To evaluate these outcomes, the study follows a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Immigrant parents of children aged 0-17 are invited to participate, with half assigned to complete the full five-session program and the other half (control group) placed on a waiting list, receiving a group meeting to discuss films related to moving to Sweden. All participants will complete surveys assessing their trust in social services, their children's participation in extracurricular activities, and their parenting practices. These surveys will be administered before and after the program, as well as six months later, to track any changes over time.

The primary objective is to determine whether participation in PiS leads to increased trust in social services. Additional expected benefits (exploratory analysis) include promoting positive parenting behaviors, such as seeking help when needed and actively engaging children in structured activities outside of school.

By examining the effectiveness of parental support programs facilitating integration, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how structured interventions can help families navigate life in Sweden. If the program proves successful in fostering trust and encouraging positive parenting, it may have long-term benefits for both parents and children, ultimately supporting their well-being and integration into Swedish society.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2025-02-18
• Status Verified: 2025-03
• Study Start: 2025-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-07
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-03-12
• Study First Posted: 2025-03-13
• Last Update Posted: 2025-03-17
• Primary Completion: 2025-12
• Study Completion: 2026-04

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 200

Inclusion Criteria

• All parents invited to participate in PiS can take part in the study.
• Eligibility extends to parents born outside of Sweden who have children aged 0 to 17 years.
• There are no restrictions regarding the length of time since their migration to Sweden; i.e., participants may have lived in Sweden for decades prior to joining. - - Literacy is not a requirement for participation.

Exclusion Criteria

• Individuals who are unable, physically or not willing, to sign a consent form will not be eligible to participate in the study.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
What are the effects of PiS on the level of trust in social services among parents born outside of Sweden?	From enrollment to 6 months after.	The research question will be assessed through the question, "Overall, to what extent do you trust that those who work in Social services (SS) do their job?" ranked on a 5-point Likert scale.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
How valid and reliable is an adapted government trust scale for measuring trust in social services?	From enrollment to 6 months after.	By using an adjusted version of a validated scale for the measure of trust in government, trust in social services will be assessed. The instrument measures on a 5-point Likert scale.; English translation: * SS can help me feel well.; * SS listen and try to understand what people say.; * SS make decisions that help people.; * SS is wise.; * SS has sufficient knowledge to help me.; * SS does their job well.; * SS does what is best for people.; * If people need help, SS does their best to help them.; * SS makes decisions that help people manage on their own.; * SS does everything to protect people.; * SS cares about how people feel.; * For SS, what politicians think is more important than how people feel.; * SS tells it like it is.; * SS does what they say they will do.; * Those who work in SS are honest people.; * It is possible to understand how SS has made their decisions.
Does participating in PiS increase enrollment of children in organized after-school activities	The question is asked in the baseline survey at enrollment and asked again at the 6-month follow-up.	The number of children attending organized after-school activities will be measured through a forced-choice question: Do your children attend any organized after-school activities? If the answer is no, parents are given a number of options to tick .
Does participating in PiS decrease risk factors of child maltreatment?	From enrollment to 6 months after.	Risk factors for use of child abuse will be assessed through a validated questionnaire, Brief Child Abuse Potential Inventory (BCAP) developed by Ondersma et al. BCAP is a shortened version of the screening tool for detecting potential child maltreatment, the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI). The CAP Inventory is a self-report measure of 160 forced-choice (agree/disagree) questions. But some characteristics, such as the length of the questionnaire and the complex scoring system, limit the screening tool's usefulness, which is why the shorter version was developed. BCAP contains seven factors: Distress, Family Conflict, Rigidity, Happiness, Feelings of Persecution, Loneliness, and Financial Insecurity. These factors are not used to produce individual factor scores but to ensure the Abuse Risk scale includes a range of dimensions associated with physical child abuse risk.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Stockholm - distibuted; 🇸🇪 Stockholm, Sweden