 Promoting initial parental engagement in parenting interventions targeting externalizing behaviors: A systematic review 
This article reviews the available studies on factors that may play a role in initial parental engagement in parenting skill programs to prevent and treat externalizing behaviors in children. A systematic review following the Center for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) and PRISMA guidelines for study selection was conducted for studies published in English and French between January 2000 and June 2020. Of more than 830 articles identified, seven studies examining the differences between parents who accept or decline to initially engage in different programs were selected. The quality of the studies was analyzed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The results were then grouped into themes, broadly addressing child-related factors, family ecological context, socio-demographic characteristics, and recruitment barriers and strategies. Results suggest that more severe and frequent externalizing behaviors, higher socioeconomic status (SES), better social support, and program conditions that limit scheduling conflicts are associated with higher initial parental engagement. This study provides some insights into the characteristics and recruitment strategies that could be used to reduce participation barriers, such as financial compensation, use of the group program, child care as well as offering program at various times.