Noncompliant Children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of parent behavioral training on child noncompliant behavior and on parent behavior and attitude change. Eleven children, who had been referred for treatment of noncompliance, and their mothers served as subjects. A short-term laboratory behavioral training program was used to produce significant changes in both parental and child behaviors when assessed in the laboratory setting. These changes were maintained at a three-month follow-up. In addition, after treatment and at the three-month follow-up, the children were perceived by their mothers as being better adjusted than prior to treatment. Comparison of the treatment group to a nonclinic "normal" sample suggested that the behavioral training produced parent perceptions regarding their children's adjustment that did not differ significantly from those that the parents of the nonclinic sample had toward their children.