Parent Training with Non-Traditional Families:

Abstract

Although behavioral parent training has been shown to be effective with a variety of child behavior problems, this review notes that the adaptation and generalization of this treatment across family populations has not met with consistent success. The therapeutic need of families with diverse backgrounds and those facing interpersonal and intra-familial conflicts only recently has been raised by therapists. To promote effective and generalized treatment success across this population, some therapists recommend adjunctive or alternative treatment strategies that encompass the specific needs and characteristic make-up of a family. Several of the recommended adaptations that have been made are described in this review. Despite the therapeutic merit of many of these recommendations, it is concluded that little empirical information currently exists on the implementation of the various treatment adaptations. Recommendations are made to evaluate further clinical issues related to the needs of non-traditional and other non-middle class families.