Predictors of parent training efficacy for child externalizing behavior problems--a meta-analytic review

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Family Studies

Background:

• Parent training effectiveness varies, prompting research into predictive child, parent, and family factors.
• Studies identify diverse child, parent, and demographic variables linked to treatment outcomes and dropout.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review parent training literature for variables predicting response to interventions for child externalizing behaviors.
• To analyze indicated prevention and treatment studies from 1980-2004.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a literature review of parent training studies (1980-2004).
• Performed meta-analyses to determine standardized effect sizes for identified predictors.
• Focused on child externalizing behavior problems.

Main Results:

• Moderate effect sizes found for predictors like low education/occupation, severe child behavior problems, and maternal psychopathology.
• Low family income demonstrated a large standardized effect size.
• Predictors of dropout showed small to insubstantial effect sizes.

Conclusions:

• Parent training response is influenced by non-child factors, notably socioeconomic status and maternal mental health.
• These variables are particularly salient in predicting treatment outcomes.