The effectiveness of solution-focused therapy with child behavior problems: A preliminary report

Preliminary findings on the effectiveness of solution-focused therapy with children who have been referred from the school system for behavior problem s are reported. Significant improvements between pretest and posttest score s were found on the Conners' Parent Rating Scale (Conners, 1990) for the fo llowing subscales: conduct problems, learning problems, psychosomatic probl ems, impulsivity-hyperactivity, and the hyperactivity index. On the Feeling s, Attitudes, and Behaviors Scale for Children (Beitchman, 1996), child res pondents reported positive improvements on self-image between pretest and p osttest but negative changes for the conduct-problems subscale. Implication s for solution-focused practice and the treatment of child behavior problem s are discussed.