Graduation Year
2021
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Ph.D.
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Degree Granting Department
Psychological and Social Foundations
Major Professor
Kathy Bradley-Klug, Ph.D.
Co-Major Professor
Julia Ogg, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Jennifer Wolgemuth, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Heather Agazzi, Ph.D.
Keywords
barriers to treatment, behavioral parent training, case study, engagement, online treatment
Abstract
Behavioral parent training (BPT) is considered a frontline intervention for challenging behaviors in early childhood. Research on outcomes in behavioral parent training include an emphasis on participant engagement, defined as attendance, cognitive readiness, and task completion (Chacko et al., 2016; Gearing et al., 2014; Nock & Ferriter, 2005). Barriers to treatment attendance and engagement include logistical barriers, perceptions that treatment is burdensome or irrelevant, poor therapeutic alliance, and inaccurate or poor expectations for treatment (Kazdin, Holland, & Crowley, 1997; Nock & Kazdin, 2001). This case study examined parent engagement and barriers to treatment in a BPT program called Developing Our Children’s Skills for Success, or DOCS for Success (Shaffer-Hudkins & Ogg, 2010). This case study of four participants utilized thematic analysis of focus group discussions and rating scales of reported barriers to treatment participation and engagement in this BPT program delivered online. Participants in this study reported challenges with childcare, co-parenting, and practicing skills. They were motivated to learn new parenting skills, develop parent-child relationships, and connect with other parents. Participants reported having a positive relationship with the therapist and were satisfied with the program. They reported a decrease in problematic behaviors although the intensity of these behaviors slightly increased. Engagement in this program was measured by task completion, attendance, and cognitive readiness. Practitioners may consider other means to increase engagement and accessibility in BPT programs. Additional research investigating the benefits and barriers of online BPT programs and how to increase engagement is recommended.
Scholar Commons Citation
Hofmann Leedy, Natalie A., "Parent Engagement in an Online Behavioral Parent Training Program: A Case Study" (2021). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/8812
