Accelerating Behavior Reduction through Intensive Behavioral Parent Training

The literature on mechanisms underlying externalizing behavior problems suggests that a core skill deficit includes impulsive responding, reflecting a bias towards immediate over delayed reinforcement. Research investigating the impact of screen time on children’s functioning have found that high levels of screen use are associated with exacerbation of impulsive behavior. While traditional behavioral parent training (BPT) programs (e.g., Parent-Child Interaction Therapy [PCIT]; The Incredible Years) are among the most frequently used front-line interventions to address behavior problems in children, it is unclear how these programs address these underlying mechanisms. Available evidence from precision-based behavioral treatment packages for challenging behavior in children suggests that individualized programs targeting deficits in tolerating frustration and delay to gratification may be highly effective. The current presentation will focus on behavioral intervention based in applied behavior analysis (ABA) designed to improve impulsive responding in both children and their caregivers via systematic exposure training (i.e. programming response-reinforcer delays) in a high dosage behavioral parent training model. Data on program efficacy, acceptability, and long-term outcomes will be presented and discussed.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learners will be able to discuss potential mechanisms in behavioral therapy for childhood deficits in frustration tolerance.

2. Learners will be able to identify the strengths of high dose-density treatment courses as a means of improving clinical outcomes (i.e., attrition, behavior reduction).

Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0123.

Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.