Thrive Initiative parent-education: hybrid versus online delivery for Air Force families
Official title: Thrive Initiative Domestic and Chlid Abuse Prevention Programming Study
Run by Penn State University · NCT06823518 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether a hybrid (online plus group) or an online-only version of the Thrive parent programs works better for Air Force service members and caregivers of children ages 0–18.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 480 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Penn State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (University Park, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 31, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06823518 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are U.S. Air Force service members or their dependents who are 18 or older, caregivers of a child aged 0–18, English-proficient, have access to necessary technology, and are willing to be randomized.
✕Probably not a fit
People unlikely to benefit include non–Air Force individuals, caregivers under 18, those without reliable internet or necessary technology or English proficiency, and families needing intensive clinical services beyond universal parenting education.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Air Force service members and dependents who are caregivers of children aged 0–18 are randomized to receive one of four age-specific Thrive programs delivered either entirely online or as a hybrid of online plus group sessions. Each program—Take Root (0–3 years), Sprout (3–5), Grow (5–10), and Branch Out (10–18)—is matched to the child’s developmental stage and analyzed separately. Outcomes include parent-reported parenting practices and child wellbeing measures collected through online assessments, and participants must be English-proficient with access to necessary technology. The research is led by Penn State in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force and is administered through Penn State (University Park) with primarily remote delivery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program delivery method that works best could improve parenting skills, support child wellbeing, and offer a scalable way to reach Air Force families.
How similar studies have gone: Other universal parent-education programs have shown benefits for parenting and child outcomes, but direct comparisons of hybrid versus online-only delivery are still limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * United States Air Force service member or dependent * Parent/caregiver of a child 0-18 years old * 18 years of age or older * Willing to participate in the research study * Has access to technology that will enable them to receive and respond to various technological aspects of the Thrive Initiative programs and research study * Able to speak and understand English proficiently * Able to understand and give consent Exclusion Criteria: * Not an United States Air Force service member or dependent * Not a parent/caregiver of a child 0-18 years old * 17 years of age or younger * Unwilling to participate in the research study * Does not have access to technology that will enable them to receive and respond to various technological aspects of the Thrive Initiative programs and research study * Unable to speak and understand English proficiently * Unable to understand and give consent
Where it's running
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The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel F Perkins, PhD — The Pennsylvania State University
- Study coordinator: Daniel F Perkins, PhD
- Email: dfp102@psu.edu
- Phone: 8148674182
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.