Home-based consultation for parents of young children with behavioral problems

This study examines the effects of home-based consultation for parents of y oung children with behavior problems. Three mothers and four children, ages 4-7 years, participated in the program which included in-home training of behavioral child management strategies (i.e., using appropriate praise, giv ing clear instructions, rules and reinforcement schedules, and effective co nsequences including time-out). Training consisted of written information, discussion, modeling, role-play, and practice with the mothers and children . The intervention condition consisted of home visits 2 to 3 times per week during which the parents implemented procedures in which they had been spe cifically trained, including (a) presentation of directions for completing chores, playing with siblings, etc., (b) use of a reinforcement schedule (5 -10 minutes) for appropriate behaviors, (c) use of time-out for inappropria te behaviors, and (d) social reinforcement for earning designated complianc e and engagement levels (parents and children played a game together as a r eward). The experimenters collected parent and child behavior data, provide d feedback and additional modeling of procedures as necessary, and consulte d regarding any particular issues presented by the parents. Outcomes were m onitored using a multiple baseline design (probes) across subjects (familie s). Results indicate increased praise rates by parents, improved compliance with instructions by the children, and decreases in inappropriate child be haviors (i.e., aggression, destruction, grabbing, and negative verbal remar ks) directed towards the participants. Minimal changes were noted in levels of parent-child interaction times from baseline to intervention.