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

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.

Conditions

• Parent-Child Relations
• Immigrant

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Structured group discussions

A group-based program for immigrant parents of children aged 0-17, providing essential information on key aspects of family life in Sweden. The intervention consists of five weekly three-hour sessions, combining lectures, group discussions, and interactive exercises, led by a trained group leader and, when necessary, an interpreter. The following topics are discussed: * Parenting in a New Country - Adapting to cultural changes and supporting children's integration. * Education \& Child Development - School system, parental involvement, and learning support. * Healthcare \& Well-being - Access to healthcare, preventive care, and mental health. * Parents' Rights \& Responsibilities - Child welfare laws, positive discipline, and social services. * Parenting Teenagers - Navigating adolescence, peer relationships, and risk prevention.

BEHAVIORAL

Unstructured group meeting

Parents in the control group are asked to participate in a gathering where they will watch two short films from the Swedish Educational Broadcasting Company (UR), followed by a brief discussion. The films have been handpicked by representatives from BRIS and PLUS together with the researchers to create an opportunity for a meeting. The first film "A way in - first meeting" shows a family from Iran living in Sweden for 1,5 years and explores how one can establish a place in society. In the second film "Make new friends" it is illustrated how hard it can be to create a new social context. The intention with the short films is not to give a short version of PiS, but to engage parents in the study and the program so they will complete them.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Stockholm City Council

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Children's right in society

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Karolinska Institutet

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-09-30

Primary Completion

2025-12-31

Completion

2026-04-30

Countries

• Sweden

Study Locations