Multiple-outcome evaluation and development of a behavioural parent-training course for parents of children with conduct problems

The literature related to the classification cause, prognosis and treatment of childhood conduct problems is reviewed, with particular emphasis on Behavioural Parent Training intervention approaches. The Child Behaviour Management Programme was developed and was piloted with a clinic-based group of referred parents. A parallel pilot study was conducted with non-referred parent in a community setting in order to provide a 'low-demand' comparison. Following the pilots, the outcome measures were amended for inclusion in Study Three, which was intended to form part of a larger, main study. Primary Attrition emerged as a major problem but the Reasons for Attrition Questionnaire (RAQ) did not secure an adequate response from non-attenders to elucidate their reasons. However, it provided positive consumer satisfaction data implying that those who attended were essentially satisfied with what they received. Following expansion of the clinical service and an increase in its referral-rates the Child Behaviour Course was run and evaluated in June 1996. This was a derivative of the CBMP, although the programme was more intensive over a shorter time and involved the attendance of the referred child for one day of the three. Positive treatment effects were achieved on all outcome-measures apart from the Beck Depression Inventory. Chapter Eight describes a further development of the CBMP to form the Family Day Programme (FDP) which involves the attendance of whole families for a series of 6 days. A retrospective survey was conducted to compare the perceived needs of individuals who had attended the CBMP, the CBC or the FDP.