Skills Preference in Two Types of Parenting Groups

Abstract

This study investigated which skills are valued by parents who are enrolled in either a positively oriented behavioral parenting group or a consensus parenting group that emphasized communication and negotiation skills. Data were collected by telephone interviews 9 to 18 months after parents had completed the parenting groups. Results indicated that concept of positive reinforcement and means for increasing it with their children was the most valued technique for the behaviorally oriented parenting group. Time-out was the second most valued technique, although it had been deemphasized. For the consensus group, negotiation was the most valued technique and time-out was the second most valued, even though this technique had not been taught in this group. Implicationsfor the uses and teaching of time-out in parenting groups are discussed.