Sequencing of Parent Training Procedures

Abstract

The effects of various sequences of time-out and attention on child behavior and on evaluations of acceptability of these techniques were examined using a combined between-and within-subjects design. During treatment periods, mothers administered attention and time-out to their noncompliant children in various sequences (time-out followed by attention or attention followed by time-out), or they administered both attention and time-out concurrently. Results indicated that prior use of differential attention appears to enhance the efficacy of time-out as a response reduction procedure, while prior use of time-out may enable differential attention procedures to maintain reductions in noncompliance effectively. Recommendations are made concerning the optimum use of time-out combined with attention in producing both immediate behavior change and positive treatment evaluations within parent training programs.