Parent management training

Parent Management Training (PMT) is a psychotherapy technique that aims to equip parents with the skills and strategies necessary to manage their children's behavior. It is often used to address conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorders, and other behavioral issues in children.

History

The concept of Parent Management Training was first introduced in the 1960s by Gerald Patterson and colleagues at the Oregon Social Learning Center. It was developed as a response to the increasing prevalence of child behavior problems and the need for effective interventions.

Methodology

Parent Management Training involves teaching parents specific techniques for responding to their children's behavior. These techniques are based on principles of social learning theory, which posits that behavior is learned through observation and reinforcement.

The training typically involves several sessions, during which parents learn to identify and modify their own behaviors that may be contributing to their child's behavioral problems. They are also taught strategies for reinforcing positive behaviors and discouraging negative ones.

Efficacy

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Parent Management Training in reducing child behavior problems and improving parent-child relationships. A meta-analysis of 79 studies found that PMT was associated with significant improvements in child behavior, parental stress, and parental competence.

Criticisms

Despite its demonstrated effectiveness, Parent Management Training has been criticized for its focus on changing parent behavior rather than addressing underlying child issues. Some critics argue that it places too much blame on parents for their children's behavior problems.

See also

• Behavior modification
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Family therapy