Coping With Conduct-Problem Children: Parents Gaining Knowledge and Control

Abstract

Examined the process of parents' learning to cope effectively with stresses related to their conduct-problem children's behavior by means of a videotape parent training program. Transcripts of 20 intake interviews, 80 group therapy sessions, and 16 therapist consultations with 77 mothers and 60 fathers of conduct-problem children (ages 3 to 7 years) provided the data. These transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparison method. Findings suggested that the process was one of gaining knowledge, control, and competence and was comprised of five phases, which were labeled: acknowledging the family's problem, alternating despair and hope, "tempering the dream", "making the shoe fit", and effective coping. The meaning of the different phases is discussed in light of the theory of stress.