Effectiveness of a Standard Parenting-Skills Program in Reducing Stealing and Lying in Two Boys

Abstract

ABSTRACT Children's stealing and lying are problems commonly experienced by families. If persistent, these behaviors have negative consequences for the children, their families, schools, and the community. Despite this, there is a paucity of research into effective interventions for stealing and lying. This study examined the effectiveness of a standard parent-training program (Triple-P Level 4) in reducing stealing and lying in two boys, and measured changes in their mothers' adjustment and perceptions of child and family functioning. Parent suspicions of stealing and lying by their sons decreased during the intervention and were absent at a 10-week follow-up. Mothers reported reduced depression, anxiety, and stress, and increases in their sense of parenting competence following training. The number and intensity of reported child behavior problems decreased to nonclinical levels for one family but remained elevated for the other.