Evaluating Parent Training for Emotionally Abusive and Neglectful Parents: Comparing Individual Versus Individual and Group Intervention

Abstract

The principles and methods of parent training provided by social workers are described with an emphasis on working with abusive and neglectful parents using cognitive and/or behavioral approaches. Two emotionally abusive and neglectful groups of parents (n = 10 parents per group) were assessed, trained, and followed up for 2 years. Group I received individual parent training only and Group 2 received similar individual parent training plus 10 sessions of parent training provided in groups. Group 2 improved significantly better in areas other than child care. The results are discussed in terms of their applications to the provision of parent training by social workers.