Parent management training: evidence, outcomes, and issues.

OBJECTIVE

To describe and evaluate parent management training (PMT) as a treatment technique for oppositional, aggressive, and antisocial behavior.

METHOD

Recent research is reviewed on the efficacy of PMT; factors that contribute to treatment outcome; the range of outcomes related to child, parents, and family; and variations of treatment currently in use. Limitations are also discussed related to the impact of treatment, clinical application, and dissemination of treatment.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

PMT is one of the more well-investigated treatment techniques for children and adolescents. Notwithstanding the large number of controlled studies attesting to its efficacy, fundamental questions remain about the magnitude, scope, and durability of impact.