Parent behavioral training for problem children: an examination of studies using multiple outcome measures

Area of Science:

• Parenting and Child Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Parent training programs aim to improve child behavior and family functioning.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of parent training requires robust outcome measures.
• The choice of outcome measures can influence the perceived success of interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review parent training studies utilizing multiple outcome measures.
• To compare the effectiveness of different data collection methods in parent training research.
• To provide recommendations for optimal assessment strategies in parent training.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 24 parent training studies.
• Inclusion criteria: use of at least two of three measures (independent observation, parent data, questionnaires).
• Analysis of instruments and procedures for each assessment type.

Main Results:

• All three outcome measures (independent observation, parent data, questionnaires) demonstrated positive results.
• Parent-collected data and parent questionnaire data showed more positive outcomes than independent observer data.
• Variations in results suggest potential biases or sensitivities of different measurement methods.

Conclusions:

• Parent-collected data and questionnaires are valuable and potentially more sensitive measures in parent training research.
• Independent observations, while objective, may be less responsive to treatment effects in some contexts.
• Recommendations are provided for selecting appropriate outcome measures to accurately assess parent training effectiveness.