Effects of a Responsive Parenting Education Program on Child's Behavioral Problems and Pivotal Developmental Behaviors in Children at Risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Purpose: This study was done to determine whether a parenting education program using responsive teaching strategies is effective for parenting stress, maternal interactional behavior and behavioral problems in children at risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Methods: Participants in this study were 17 elementary school children and their parents. The ADHD risk group was determined by scores on the Korean-ADHD Rating Scale. The parenting education program was developed based on Dr. Mahoney’s responsive teaching curriculum. Mothers participated in the program once a week for 8 sessions. Treatment outcome was evaluated using the Korean version of the Child Behavior CheckList (K-CBCL), parenting stress, maternal interactional behavior, and child pivotal developmental behavior. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank test, Mann-Whitney test, and regression analysis. Results: After the parenting education program, no significant difference in parenting stress (Z=-1.00, p=.320) was found, but there was a significant decrease in the child’s internal behavior problems (Z=-2.05, p=.040), and also a significant improvement in maternal interactional behavior and a significant difference in child pivotal developmental behavior (Z=-2.67, p=.008). Conclusion: The results indicate that parenting education programs based on responsive teaching strategies are effective and that application of a program is recommended to prevent behavioral problems and improve maternal child interaction for children at risk for ADHD.