Evaluation of the Acceptability of Treatments for Children's Behavioral Difficulties

Abstract

Most investigations examining the acceptability of treatments recommended to consumers seeking outpatient services have utilized non-consumers (g.g., students) or potential consumers (e.g., non-referred parents) as their subjects. The purpose of the present study was to examine the acceptability ratings of three alternative treatments applied to case descriptions varying in their levels of problem severity. Evaluations were provided by 90 parents actually seeking services in a behavior management outpatient clinic. Results indicate that positive reinforcement was rated as most acceptable followed by time-out and medication. Ratings varied as a function of problem severity with positive reinforcement and timeout being relatively more acceptable for mild behavior problems. Medication was rated as being relatively more acceptable of severe behavior problems. Findings are discussed in relation to both clinical significance and the need for future research.