Evaluating Treatment Outcomes on Cognition, Behavior and Stress of Parents with Aggressive Children

The parent-child parallel group ACT program with cognitive-behavioral therapy sought to assist in developing parenting skills and styles in order to manage children's aggressive behaviors effectively, and decrease parental stress from dealing with aggressive children. This research program involved experimental and control groups with pre-and postcomparison using a mixed model research method. Qualitative data collection of the parenting styles and behaviors, as well as the children's behavior was assessed through structured interviews (children and parents). Quantitative data collection consisted of the completion of reliable self-report questionnaires, Parent Stress Index (PSI). Two pilot studies and the main study were conducted. In post-intervention and follow-up studies the treated children showed a consistent reduction in their physically aggressive behavior; however, results of the PSI indicated that the program was ineffective in reducing parental stress. The qualitative results showed evidence of changes in parental behaviors, parents' expectations toward their child and improvement in parent-child relationships after completion of the ACT program.