Assessment for Generalization of Parenting Skills in Home Settings

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a behavioral parent training package that included initial training in two settings in the home with generalization of parenting skills (and the need for additional intervention) being assessed to a third setting in the home. Training in behavior modification skills was introduced in a multiple baseline design across parents. The results showed that although all parents increased their correct use of behavior modification skills following the introduction of intervention in two home settings, only one parent out of three spontaneously generalized these skills to a third home setting. The results of this study suggest that generalization of parenting skills across home settings may not take place for some parents without specific programming. Finally, the study showed that once skills had generalized across settings, parenting skills and child efforts maintained over a 1-year period.