Implementation and Evaluation of a Greek, manualised, CBT parenting intervention for children aged 3-8 with Attention Deficit and/or Disruptive Behaviour Disorders. A single group outcome study.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the eectiveness of a Greek parenting program, based on social learning theory, as a therapeutic intervention for children aged 3-8 with behaviour disorders.

Design: Single group pre-post outcome study.

Setting: Department of Child Psychiatry of the University Medical School, «Aghia Sophia» Children›s Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Participants: Sixty-five parents with children aged 3-8 meeting DSM-IV criteria for Attention Deficit and/or Disruptive Behaviour Disorders were evaluated in the current study.

Intervention: Positive Parents Happy Kids. A manualised parenting program, of 12 weekly group sessions and two parent-child sessions, based on cognitive behaviour and social learning theory.

Outcome measures: Parents completed measures of child emotional and behavioural difficulties (SDQ) and parental stress (PSI short form), pre and two-week post intervention, as well as a client satisfaction questionnaire.

Results: The SDQ showed that post treatment, a statistically significant proportion of children moved from the borderline-clinical range to non-clinical range regarding: a) the Total Difficulties Score (24.6%), b) the hyperactivity subscale (26.2%), c) the conduct subscale (40%) and d) the peer relationship problems (20%). The impact of the problems was also significantly reduced. According to PSI, there was also a statistically significant improvement in all categories (Total Parental Stress, Parental Distress, Parent-Child Interaction and Difficult Child). The acceptance of the program was very satisfactory as shown by the high attendance rate and the completion of satisfaction questionnaire.

Conclusion: The study provides evidence that therapeutic improvement can be achieved by a manually based, parent Cognitive Behavioural Program designed for a Greek population. The question whether, in countries like Greece it is preferable to import well researched, but expensive foreign programs or design new culturally sensitive programs, based on the common characteristics of the previous ones is discussed.