Effectiveness of behavioral parent-training programs: Results of two pilot studies on the prevention of antisocial behavior

The effects of a behavioral parent-training program on the prevention of antisocial behavior in preschool and primary grade children were evaluated in two controlled pilot studies. The training Program consisted of five highly structured sessions addressing fundamental topics of parenting. In Study I with well-functioning families the training aimed at universal prevention, and in Study II with risk families at selective prevention. The positive parental ratings of the training sessions speak for a successful implementation. The non-risk children in Study I subsequently showed less problems, and their parents improved their parenting behavior. In Study H, child problem behavior was also reduced, but the overall effect size was small. Concise parent-training programs may serve as a useful tool for universal prevention of antisocial behavior in low-afflicted groups, and in risk-groups they may introduce into more comprehensive intervention (selective intervention).