What Do Parents Want?: Comparing Behavioral Parent Training to a Health Maintenance Model

Abstract

The most well-established evidence-based treatment for disruptive behavior disorders is behavioral parent training (BPT), however, parents face many barriers to treatment. A health maintenance model (HMM) of mental health care delivery, which promotes wellness rather than treating illness, could help parents overcome barriers. The purpose of this study was to compare parents’ (n = 263) treatment acceptability and preference ratings of an HMM to traditional BPT. Results indicated parents found BPT significantly more acceptable and preferable overall, yet found aspects of HMM preferable. Results suggest modifying traditional BPT to focus on prevention and wellness may increase treatment acceptability and engagement.

Keywords:

• Behavioral parent training
• engagement
• health maintenance model
• treatment acceptability
• treatment preference