Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2025
08:09
Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood
Published on: February 11, 2017
11.6K
Effectiveness of Child-Focused Interventions for Externalizing Behavior: a Rapid Evidence Review.
M Kuhn1,2, E Gonzalez3,4, L Weil5
1Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA. michelle.kuhn@seattlechildrens.org.
Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
|February 25, 2022
Summary
Behavior management training (BMT) combined with social skills interventions effectively treats children's externalizing behavior. Other child-focused approaches like CBT and play therapy show less consistent results, suggesting social skills plus BMT is a promising treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Evidence-Based Interventions
Background:
- Parent behavior management training (BMT) is an established, evidence-based treatment for childhood externalizing behavior.
- Community providers often utilize child-focused interventions, but their comparative effectiveness against BMT is unclear.
- Existing research lacks clarity on whether child-focused treatments are sufficient alternatives or additions to BMT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of BMT with common child-focused interventions for externalizing behavior.
- To evaluate cognitive behavioral (CBT), social skill (SS), and play/dynamic therapy (PT) approaches.
- To inform clinical practice and policy regarding treatment options for externalizing behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A rapid evidence review of studies published from 2000 onwards.
- Searches conducted in PubMed, PsychINFO, and Web of Science for English-language articles.
- Inclusion criteria: children aged 12 and under, child-focused behavioral treatment, and externalizing behavior outcomes. 30 studies were coded (13 CBT, 10 SS, 7 PT).
Main Results:
- Social skills interventions paired with BMT demonstrated effectiveness in improving externalizing problems, with moderate effect sizes.
- Individual social skills interventions showed promise but require further evaluation against standard care.
- CBT interventions yielded moderate effects compared to waitlists but were less consistent against active controls. Play therapy effects were inconsistent.
Conclusions:
- Social skills interventions combined with BMT are supported as a child-focused treatment with probable efficacy for externalizing problems.
- The findings suggest that integrating social skills training with BMT may be a preferred approach in community practice.
- Further research is needed to clarify the efficacy of individual social skills, CBT, and play therapy interventions.
Keywords:
Cognitive behavior therapyEvidence-based treatmentExternalizing behaviorParent trainingRapid evidence reviewSocial skillsMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
147
Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
147
01:21Behavior Modification
291
Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
291
01:30Family Therapy
181
Family therapy conceptualizes psychological challenges as arising from dysfunctional interactions within the family unit, rather than as isolated issues within individuals. This approach seeks to address and transform the patterns of communication, roles, and relationships within families to promote healthier dynamics and emotional well-being for all members.
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy emphasizes resolving communication barriers and improving problem-solving abilities...
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy emphasizes resolving communication barriers and improving problem-solving abilities...
181
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
461
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
461
01:28Behaviorism
3.3K
The field of behaviorism was pioneered by figures such as Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner fundamentally shifted the focus of psychology to the observable and controllable aspects of human and animal behavior. This shift marked a critical evolution in the discipline, emphasizing scientific rigor and experimental methodology.
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
3.3K
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
410
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
410