This study examined the efficacy of a multimodal intervention with conduct
disordered boys in the middle primary years. The intervention consisted of a behavioural
classroom program; a small group, social skills program; and a behavioural parenting
program Resource implications of this model were also evaluated.
A review of the current literature on conduct disorders showed that these children
account for less than 5% of the population, but they have a strong impact on families,
teachers, peers, schools and the wider community. About 50% of children with severe, early
behavioural problems will continue with these problems, not only throughout their adult
lives, but into the next generation. Early intervention appears to offer our best hope of
altering this trajectory.
Interventions with this population have been largely unsuccessful. At the present
time the most promising intervention is behavioural parent training programs. Combining
these with child focused social skills programs, and behavioural programs in the school
setting, increases their efficacy.
This study used a single subject experimental design to examine the effects of this
program on four boys with behavioural difficulties. Continuous measures were taken with
parent, and teacher daily record charts, and classroom observations. Pre, post and followup
measures were taken with the Child Behaviour Checklist. The results of the study were
mixed. Some subjects, according to some respondents, improved in home and school
behaviours. All three subjects, for whom there was followup data, had improved.
The classroom, and parenting programs appeared to be associated with positive
changes in child behaviour, the small group was associated with more disruptive behaviour
at school.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218929 |
| Date | January 1997 |
| Creators | Ferguson, Shirley, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Professional & Community Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Shirley Ferguson |
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