Re: Parenting Interventions and Reduction of Physical Punishment

[rlarzelere@xxxxxxxx]

I know of four studies of behavioral parent training that, along with
documented decreases in disruptive behaviors in clinically referred
children, also documented significantly decreased use of physical
punishment due to implementation of the parent training (e.g., from pre-tx
to post-tx).

Eyberg, S. (1993). The spank back-up in time-out with preschool children.
      Unpublished manuscript. Dept. of Clinical Health Psychology, PO Box
      100165 HSC, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0165.
McNeil, C. B., Clemens-Mowrer, L., Gurwitch, R. H., & Funderburk, B. W.
      (1994). Assessment of a new procedure to prevent timeout escape in
      preschoolers. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 16(3), 27-35.
Roberts, M. W. (1984). An attempt to reduce timeout resistance in young
      children. Behavior Therapy, 15, 210-216.
Webster-Stratton, C. (1990). Enhancing the effectiveness of
      self-administered videotape parent training for families with
      conduct-problem children. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 18,
      479-492.

Along with other components (reinforcement of positive behavior, clear
      instructions), all four studies featured time out for young children
      who were clinically referred for disruptive behavior problems. Two of
      them (Eyberg & Roberts) used a spank back-up for noncompliance with
      time out at that time. The other two used other ways of enforcing
      time out.

There are other studies that document changes in parent reports of use of
      physical punishment, but I am not aware of any others that also
      documented that problematic child behaviors were also significantly
      reduced. I would like to know of any others.

Robert E. Larzelere, Ph.D.
      Psychology Dept.
      985450 Univ. of Nebraska Medical Center
      Omaha, NE 68198
      (402) 559-2282


Does anyone know of any research documenting that Parent Training
Programs lead to a reduction in the use of physical punishment
(spanking, etc).

I'd appreciate any leads.

Tx.

MWS

--
Margaret W. Sullivan, Ph. D.
Institute for the Study of Child Development/Pediatrics ( www2.
umdnj.edu/iscdweb/index.html )
UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
97 Paterson Street
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903-0019

Telecommunications:  Phone: 732-235-7164   FAC:732-235-6189  E-Mail:
sullivan@umdnj.edu