Distilling Common History and Practice Elements to Inform Dissemination: Hanf-Model BPT Programs as an Example

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Child Psychiatry

Background:

• Evidence-based practice in child behavior disorders increasingly focuses on core treatment components.
• Behavioral parent training (BPT) is a standard care for early-onset disruptive behavior disorders, often co-occurring with ADHD.
• Existing research often examines interventions program-specifically, neglecting the historical development of common practice elements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the formative work of Hanf and its influence on contemporary evidence-based BPT.
• To outline the core elements, evolution, and extensions of Hanf's model in prominent BPT programs.
• To provide a framework for clinicians to make informed choices about BPT program selection and adaptation.

Main Methods:

• Review of the foundational work of Hanf in behavioral parent training.
• Analysis of core elements and evolution of Hanf's model in selected BPT programs: COPE, DC, HNC, PCIT, and IY.
• Synthesis of information to create a template for clinical decision-making regarding BPT interventions.

Main Results:

• Hanf's work represents a significant foundation for several widely used BPT programs.
• Key practice elements derived from Hanf's model are present across various BPT interventions.
• The review identifies commonalities and variations in the application of Hanf's principles across different programs.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the historical development and core components of BPT, stemming from Hanf's work, is crucial for effective clinical practice.
• Clinicians can use this framework to flexibly select and combine elements from different BPT programs to meet specific family needs.
• Future research should continue to explore the efficacy of adapted and combined BPT approaches for diverse child populations.