Optimistic Parenting: Hope and Help for Parents With Challenging Children

Abstract

(from the chapter) Portions of this chapter are based on "Positive Family Intervention: Hope and Help for Parents With Challenging Children," by V. M. Durand, 2007, Psychology in Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, 32, 9-13. There is a growing body of literature documenting the effectiveness of behavioral parent training (BPT; including the use of positive behavior supports [PBS]) to assist families with these challenges, obstacles to implementation are apparent. For a variety of reasons, some families are not able to carry out the plans designed for their children, and this limits the effectiveness of these intervention strategies. After a review of the relevant literature, we describe a new intervention approach for families who experience difficulties implementing these plans. This approach, called positive family intervention (PFI), combines PBS with an added cognitive behavioral intervention designed to assist families in completing treatment. Our prior research suggested that many families are at risk for dropping out of treatment due to attitudinal barriers; we developed a unique treatment program that appears to significantly improve participation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved) (chapter)