Social Validity Assessment in Parent-Implemented Early Childhood Interventions

Parent-implemented interventions are evidence-based interventions carried out by parents and caregivers in children’s natural environments. Social validity assessment is crucial for acceptance and sustainability of these interventions. In this systematic review, we examined the social validity assessment practices used in parent-implemented interventions for young children with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as whether the recommendations for social validity assessment were followed. Results show that of 67 studies included, 36 reported social validity. Most studies measured social validity at the end of interventions using Likert-type questionnaires to gather social validity data from parents who participated in studies and reported limited information regarding social validity data. Results also indicate that parent-implemented intervention studies were limited in following recommendations in the literature for social validity assessment. Implications for research and practice, as well as recommendations, are provided.