A comparison of behavioral parent training programs for fathers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Behav Ther. 2009 Jun;40(2):190-204. doi: 10.1016/j.beth.2008.05.002. Epub 2008 Oct 31.

Abstract

Few behavioral parent training (BPT) treatment studies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have included and measured outcomes with fathers. In this study, fathers were randomly assigned to attend a standard BPT program or the Coaching Our Acting-Out Children: Heightening Essential Skills (COACHES) program. The COACHES program included BPT plus sports skills training for the children and parent-child interactions in the context of a soccer game. Groups did not differ at baseline, and father ratings of treatment outcome indicated improvement at posttreatment for both groups on measures of child behavior. There was no significant difference between groups on ADHD-related measures of child outcome. However, at posttreatment, fathers who participated in the COACHES program rated children as more improved, and they were significantly more engaged in the treatment process (e.g., greater attendance and arrival on time at sessions, more homework completion, greater consumer satisfaction). The implications for these findings and father-related treatment efforts are discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / therapy
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Child
  • Counseling / methods
  • Father-Child Relations*
  • Fathers / education*
  • Fathers / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parenting / psychology*
  • Paternal Behavior
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Program Evaluation
  • Treatment Outcome