GROUP INTERVENTION TO TEACH PARENTING SKILLS TO MOTHERS OF CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effects of an intervention program to teach parenting skills to eight mothers of children with behavioral problems. The program is a replication of a previous study, comprising ten intervention sessions to access adherence and effects in different population. We used the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), interview with mothers, and Parenting Skills Inventory (IEP). Several subjects were accessed as limits establishment, rules and functional analysis of inadequate children behaviors. Data were compared to earlier study that this one was based, that had six sessions with same subjects, plus two evaluation instruments (Depression Inventory and Self-Esteem Scale) and applied to young offenders’ mothers. Among the eight participants, only three finished the program, indicating low adherence. Results indicated decrease on problems dealing with children (average 76.8 on CBCL pretest and 66.3 on posttest; average –1.57 on IEP pretest and 5.33 on posttest). Results are close to those found previously (pretest of 67.4 on CBCL and posttest of 52.2; –21 on IEP pretest and –11.5 on posttest).Keywords: parenting skills, group intervention, behavior problems.