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A cost-effectiveness evaluation of parent training

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Abstract

Outcomes from a parenting program that was modified to reduce costs and a wait-list control condition were compared. Costs were reduced by over 50%. Sixty-six parents participated. Treatment parents reported significantly greater improvements in child behavior problems, parent attitudes, and satisfaction with family relationships when compared to untreated controls. These effects were maintained at three months follow-up. Outcomes for 35 of the children in the sample who had clinically significant behavior problems before treatment were also examined separately. The difference between clinical recovery rates, i.e., movement from the clinical to normal range during treatment, for control and treatment children was not statistically significant. Limitations of the current study and suggestions for future research are discussed.

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Thompson, R.W., Ruma, P.R., Schuchmann, L.F. et al. A cost-effectiveness evaluation of parent training. J Child Fam Stud 5, 415–429 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02233863

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