Symbolic modeling and parent behavioral training: effects on noncompliance of hyperactive children

Six children, stabilized on psychostimulant medication and diagnosed as attention-deficit disorder with hyperactivity, underwent, with their mothers, a treatment program which consisted of symbolic modeling and parent training. Symbolic modeling, which required the children to view videotaped sequences of the same-sex and age-equivalent models complying with parental commands, was of limited effectiveness in bringing about better compliance. Phase one of parent training, which taught mothers appropriate attending, ignoring, and rewarding behaviors, was more effective than symbolic modeling alone. Phase two of parent training, which incorporated a time-out procedure for noncompliance, was most effective. Follow-up questionnaire data obtained at six months indicated maintenance of treatment effects.