title: Behavioral training for parents of retarded children: alternative formats based on instructional manuals.
abstract: A series of instructional manuals in behavior modification with retarded children was tested as a self-contained resource and as part of three larger training programs involving different amounts of professional assistance to parents: telephone consultations, training groups, training groups plus home visits. One hundred and sixty families were randomly assigned to the four training conditions or to a delayed-treatment control group. The 20-week treatment period emphasized the programming of self-help skills, but also provided an introduction to programming language skills and managing behavior problems. The manuals-alone format was as effective as the more expensive training formats in producing gains in children's self-help skills and fostering knowledge of behavioral principles in mothers. The two group-training formats produced more efforts at behavior-problem management, greater gains in knowledge of principles by fathers, and higher self-confidence as teachers. Telephone consultation was generally the least effective training format; the manuals-alone condition was surprisingly effective. Some implications of the results for future strategies of family intervention were discussed.
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000193:education*; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D007804:Language Development; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education*; D010988:Play and Playthings; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D013664:Teaching Materials; D013689:Telephone