Behavioral Family Therapy for Chinese Preschoolers with Disruptive Behavior: A Pilot Study

Abstract

A behavioral family therapy (BFT) protocol was implemented with 19 2- to 7-year-olds and their families in Shanghai, China to reduce disruptive behavior. The protocol was based on Helping the Noncompliant Child, condensed into five sessions, and reframed as an individual parenting class to engage Chinese families. Alternative room timeout backup procedures were offered to families concerned about the standard procedures. Pre- and post-treatment comparisons indicated that misbehavior on the Aggressive Behavior Subscale of the Child Behavior Checklist was significantly reduced. At post-treatment primary caregivers increased positive behaviors and decreased intrusive behaviors during a Free Play Analog with their child. Child compliance increased, as well as caregiver contingent attention for child compliance during a Clean-up Task Analog. In the home setting, children showed a significant reduction in the ratio of room timeout backups to chair timeouts. Chinese caregivers were satisfied with the BFT protocol. Although qualified by several specific limitations, the results suggested that a condensed and reframed BFT is feasible in China and potentially an effective and socially valid treatment for disruptive behavior among Chinese preschoolers.