ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a telemental health behavioral parent training (BPT) program for children with conduct problems that combined video modules with individualized consultations with a psychologist via videoconference. The study also aimed to highlight the clinical implications of delivering BPT via this new modality. The design was a 2 (group: clinic-based vs. e-health parenting intervention) × 3 (time: pre, post, and 3-month follow-up) repeated measures nonrandomized trial comparing families who received treatment online (N = 22) to a matched sample that received clinic-based treatment (N = 25). Participants were 47 families with a child between 3 and 12 years old with a primary diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder. At posttreatment, children whose parent(s) had received either intervention showed a significant reduction in oppositional behaviors and ADHD symptoms. Parents in both groups agreed they were confident in dealing with current and future behavior problems and reported a significant increase in parenting knowledge and less use of corporal punishment and inconsistent discipline. Effects were maintained at 3 months. The results suggest that similar to clinic-based BPT, the telemental health BPT program is effective in reducing problematic child behaviors and improving parenting practices and knowledge.
Acknowledgment
We thank the families and clinicians who participated in this research.
Declaration of interest
Mark R. Dadds and David J. Hawes own copyright and benefit financially from the sales of the clinic-based manualized parent training program referred to in the study.
Funding
Funding for this project was received from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Grant APP1056878.