Efficacy of a Brief Video Intervention to Improve Parenting Attitudes, Knowledge, and Use of Time-Out: A Randomized Control Trial.

In 30 seconds

This randomized controlled trial tested whether a brief educational video could improve caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes, and use of time-out from positive reinforcement (TOPR). Primary caregivers of 1,472 children aged 2 to 8 years were assigned to a 2-minute TOPR video or a child-play video and assessed at baseline, immediately afterward, and 1 month later. The TOPR video was associated with significant improvements in understanding (Cohen’s d = .20) and correct use of time-out (Cohen’s d = .16); attitudes toward time-out did not significantly change.

Key findings

• The TOPR video improved caregivers’ understanding of TOPR (F (1, 703) = 6.56, p = .011, Cohen’s d = .20).
• Correct use of time-out improved after the TOPR video (F (1, 703) = 4.36, p = .037, Cohen’s d = .16).
• Caregivers’ attitudes toward time-out did not significantly change.

Why it matters

Caregivers may encounter inaccurate information about time-out, potentially undermining its implementation. This trial suggests a brief, low-dose video can modestly improve knowledge and reported correct use, supporting further consideration of accessible psychoeducation as a way to communicate evidence-based parenting strategies. The lack of change in attitudes indicates that information alone may not shift caregivers’ views.

What to keep in mind

Outcomes were assessed using caregiver self-report, and the reported effects on knowledge and correct use were small.