Abstract
The present study sought to develop a parent training program to teach basic behavior analysis and a training method based on its principles. Twenty-three mothers of develop-mentally disabled children participated in a training program conducted at a child consultation center. The five training components of this program were : textbooks about behavior analytic theory and training techniques, lectures, group discussions, homework and record-keeping, and feedback to mothers from training staff based on their record-keeping. Results generally showed that : (1) most participants felt satisfaction with the training program, (2) all mothers exhibited an increase of scores in KBPAC (Knowledge of Behavior Principles as Applied to Children) over pre-assessment conditions, (3) most children showed positive behavior changes based on a subjective checklist. A follow-up test about 16 months after the program revealed that the effects had been maintained. However, it was unclear that participation in the program and improvements in mothers' performances were causally related. This study suggests that parent training programs based on behavior analytic procedures may be useful in community-based services.
