The study
The national implementation study for the Incredible Years programme
In this study, we will be collecting information on the effectiveness of the distribution and implementation of the Incredible Years programme in Finland. The aim is to produce information on the use and distribution of the Incredible Years methods on a municipal level, factors related to implementation, as well as the impact that the methods are having on the target groups, especially the wellbeing of the children and families.
The survey was initiated when the home base was moved to the Research Centre for Child Psychiatry at the University of Turku. This is the first Finnish study into the established use of the Incredible Years programme. No comparable study is known to have been carried out anywhere else in the world in the countries where the Incredible Years programme is in use.
Going forward, the work of the home base will also include the assessment and study of new Incredible Years modules. This means that when new modules which are part of the Incredible Years programme are implemented, we will survey user experiences and the usability from the families’ and employees’ perspective, but also from the perspective of those in charge of the programme within the municipal education sector and social and health care services.
A national register of Incredible Years experts has also been established at the University of Turku. The register will be used to monitor method competence (e.g. the number of trained people and which municipalities are participating), compile statistics, and carry out research in Finland. The data will also be used to plan training and method support.
The study is funded by the Academy of Finland and the Itla Children’s Foundation.
Sub-studies
Study for guardians participating in the parenting groups
The purpose of this study is to find out how the Incredible Years parenting groups are used as part of the services for families from a qualitative and quantitative perspective. The study maps out the suitability of the programme, commitment to the programme, and to what extent the programme is useful for children and families in different circumstances. We will also be examining the work of the professionals, such as to what extent the Incredible Years parenting groups are being carried out as intended (fidelity).
Research process
We ask all guardians who are taking part in the Incredible Years groups in 2021–2025 to participate in the study. The guardians are asked to provide background information and answer various questions about the child’s and their own wellbeing. We will be collecting information through online surveys when the group starts, as well as follow-up surveys approximately 6, 12 and 24 months after the group started.
Confidentiality and data security
When processing and collecting data, we will adhere to responsible conduct of research and the EU General Data Protection Regulation. The surveys are located on a protected server which is administered by the university. A personal username and password are used for access. Members of the research group are bound to confidentiality, and the material processed by the researchers does not contain any personal data. The guardian or child cannot be identified in the research reports.
A more detailed description of how personal data is processed in the study can be found in the privacy notice which is sent to the participants.
Study for professionals participating in group management training
The purpose of the study is to produce data on the suitability and benefits of the Incredible Years group management method aimed at professionals working in early childhood and basic education. The study will examine to what extent the method training is connected to the participants’ skills in managing groups of children and their coping at work. Programme fidelity is also studied.
Research process
The professionals participating in the Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management programme are asked to take part in the study. The surveys will be repeated when the training starts, when it ends, and 5–6 months after the training ends.
Confidentiality and data security
When processing and collecting data, we will adhere to responsible conduct of research and data protection regulations. The surveys are located on a protected server which is administered by the university. A personal username and password are used for access. Members of the research group are bound to confidentiality, and the material processed by the researchers does not contain any personal data. Participants cannot be identified in the research reports.
A more detailed description of how personal data is processed in the study can be found in the privacy notice which is sent to the participants.
Further information
Researcher Laura Kortesoja