This paper examines the impact of a 12-episode television series, “Families”, on disruptive
child behavior and family adjustment. This media intervention comprises the first of a five-level early intervention parenting and family support strategy, known as Triple P (Positive
Parenting Program). Fifty-six parents of children aged between 2 and 8 years were randomly
assigned to either watching the television series or to a waitlist control group. Compared to
the control group, parents in the television viewing (TV) condition reported significantly
lower levels of disruptive child behavior and higher levels of perceived parenting competence,
immediately following intervention. Prior to intervention approximately 42.9% of the
children in the TV condition were in the clinically elevated range for disruptive child
behavioral problems. This had reduced to 14.3% following intervention. In addition, a high
level of consumer acceptability was reported by parents in the TV condition. All post-intervention effects were maintained at 6-month follow-up. Implications for public health
approaches to family mental health are discussed.