Date of Submission

2014

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP, Chair, Department of Psychology

First Advisor

Susan Panichelli Mindel, PhD, Chairperson

Second Advisor

Elizabeth A Gosch, PhD, ABPP

Third Advisor

Catherine Barber, PhD

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a brief parent-training intervention in reducing defiance in children. Four African American single mothers with children demonstrating clinically diagnosable levels of defiance participated in this study. Parental stress and general maladaptive behaviors of children were evaluated pre- and post-treatment. In addition, participants completed treatment-satisfaction questionnaires to assess the perceived value of the accommodations and training structure. Results indicated some reduction in child defiance in three of the four participants. Parental stress and overall child maladaptive externalizing behaviors were both reduced over the entire study for two participants. Participants reported that the flexibility of individually scheduled sessions, child-care coverage, and relative brevity of treatment greatly increased their ability to actively engage in treatment. Although this intervention was piloted with a small number of participants, it provides preliminary support for including parental accommodations to facilitate treatment attendance and completion.

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