Integration of Artificial Intelligence into a Group-Based Parent Training Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The intervention is an evidence-based, group-based online parent training program designed for caregivers of children aged 5 to 12 years presenting with disruptive behavior problems. The program has a total duration of eight weeks and consists of weekly 90-minute synchronous group sessions facilitated by a licensed psychologist with formal training in cognitive-behavioral therapy and parent management training. Each group includes approximately 15 to 20 participants. All sessions are conducted via videoconference and are recorded, allowing participants to review the content if needed. The intervention is based on a structured manual developed by the research team and adapted from Kazdin’s Parent Management Training model. The program includes the following modules: Program introduction and goal setting Special Time (relationship building and positive attention) Praise and positive reinforcement Reward systems / token economy Effective instructions Active ignoring Logical consequences and time-out Program consolidation and relapse prevention Each session includes structured psychoeducation, therapist modeling of parenting skills, participant role-plays, group discussion, case-based problem solving, and weekly home practice assignments. In addition to the synchronous group sessions, participants allocated to the intervention arm receive continuous (24/7) access during the eight-week program to “Parente,” a generative artificial intelligence–based conversational platform specialized in parent training. Prior to each weekly session, participants are required to review structured psychoeducational modules delivered through the AI platform. The material covered asynchronously is subsequently integrated and expanded upon during the corresponding live group session. The AI platform provides: Psychoeducational content aligned with the intervention manual Personalized examples of strategy implementation Behavioral reformulation of parental instructions Reminders and motivational support Reinforcement of consistent strategy application The platform does not provide clinical diagnosis, does not deliver individualized clinical prescriptions, and does not replace the role of the therapist. Its function is supportive and complementary between sessions. Adherence to the intervention will be assessed through attendance records, total number of sessions completed, objective platform usage metrics (log-ins and interaction data), and therapist-monitored completion of weekly home practice tasks.