Impact of Parental Behavior Training for Mothers of Children with ADHD on Reducing Aggression and Maladaptive Behavior in their Children

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran

2 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran

3 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran

4 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.30491/ijbs.2023.397040.1958

Abstract

Introduction: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent childhood disorder that affects millions of children worldwide. This neurodevelopmental disorder is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can significantly impact a child's daily functioning and academic performance. This article focuses on the effectiveness of behavioral training for mothers of boys with ADHD. The study examines how training sessions can reduce parenting stress, decrease externalizing behaviors, and improve behavioral functioning in children with ADHD. The importance of this research lies in the fact that ADHD and externalizing problems are among the most common childhood disorders, making it crucial to find effective interventions that can support both parents and children in managing these challenges. By providing evidence-based behavioral training to mothers, the study aims to enhance parental skills in dealing with ADHD symptoms and promote positive behavioral outcomes in children.
Method: This study utilized a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measures and a control group. The participants were male students with ADHD (Combined type) and their mothers. The sample consisted of 30 mothers who were selected through convenience sampling and divided into experimental and control groups. Data was collected using the Children Adaptive Behavior in Home Questionnaire (1993), the Child Behavior Checklist (2001), and the SNAP-IV (1994). Both groups completed the Child Behavior Checklist and Children Adaptive Behavior in Home Questionnaire. The experimental group received nine ninety-minute sessions of parental behavior training while the control group continued with their usual routines. As for the experimental group, they were trained using Barkley's Parent Training Program (1997). Barkley's Parent Training Program is a behavioral program designed to educate parents and has been shown through empirical evidence to be effective in reducing behavior problems in children with ADHD or Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). After the training, both groups completed the same questionnaires as post-tests. The obtained data was entered into SPSS-16 and analyzed using t-test and analysis of covariance.
Results: The study found that Barkley's Parent Training Program was effective in reducing behavior problems in children with ADHD. Specifically, it improved their behavior at home and decreased their aggression. The program was particularly effective for children whose mothers participated in the experimental group compared to those in the control group. The results were statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.001 for improving the behavior of children at home and 0.05 for aggression reduction.
Conclusion: The current study suggests that Barkley's parental training is an effective way to enhance the self-control of children with ADHD. This can be achieved by altering the way parents interact with and model behavior for their children with ADHD. As a result, it led to a decrease in behavioral issues and aggression among children with ADHD.

Keywords

References

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International Journal of Behavioral Sciences
Volume 17, Issue 3
November 2023
Pages 127-132

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