Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Psychology (Ph.D.)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Mark Terjesen

Second Advisor

Raymond DiGiuseppe

Third Advisor

Tamara Del Vecchio

Abstract

Deliberate practice (DP) is a method in which structured activities are done to specifically improve performance in a given domain. Training programs, like DP, can incorporate different learning experiences to assist trainees in developing not only competency but improving client outcomes in specific therapies, like behavioral parent training (BPT). The current study examined the impact of an online-simulated DP training component on the competency among trainees, and parent-reported child outcomes after brief, virtual BPT. Eight trainees/parents were randomly assigned to the intervention group or comparison group. All trainees received didactics in BPT, with the intervention group receiving additional DP training in which they received feedback to 17 recorded vignettes depicting parents presenting their child’s behavioral difficulties. Outcome measures included six scales measured at four timepoints (baseline, week-4, -8, -12). Results indicated a significant decrease across groups from baseline to week-8 in parent-reported number of problem behaviors; from baseline to week-12 follow-up there was a significant decrease in parent-reported number of problem behaviors, intensity of problem behaviors, and negative parenting strategies, including hostility and lax strategies. No differences were observed between the intervention and comparison groups on all outcomes measures (i.e. trainee competency, parent-reported child outcomes, parenting) at all timepoints. Strengths, limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed below.

Download

Share

COinS