Parental Characteristics Predicting Dropout in Parent Training for Behavior Disorders: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The most efficacious treatment for reducing externalizing behaviors for children, behavioral parent training, is often criticized for its high dropout rates. Several variables have been associated with these dropout rates. In the current meta-analysis, we build upon past studies to assess the correlational effects of parent age, ethnicity and psychopathology, and number of parents in the household on dropout in these programs. We found a medium correlation between both single parent status and dropout, and parent psychopathology and dropout.