The Cascading Effects of Behavioral Parent Training on Caregiver Depressive Symptoms: An Examination of Generalized Treatment Effects and Potential Modulating Mechanisms of Change in Low-Income Families

Abstract

Preliminary evidence suggests that Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) for early onset disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs) may also alleviate caregiver depressive symptoms; however, less is known about the interrelationship of depressive symptoms and BPT skill use throughout the course of treatment. Accordingly, this study replicated and extended the literature by preliminarily examining caregiver depressive symptoms among low-income families (N = 13) of children with early onset DBDs who participated in either a standard course or technology-enhanced version of BPT. Findings suggested that BPT holds promise in reducing caregiver depressive symptoms. Specifically, data trends revealed reductions in depressive symptoms among caregivers who completed BPT. Although baseline caregiver depressive symptoms were not correlated with baseline use of BPT skills as predicted, evidenced emerged suggesting possible relationships between relationship enhancing skills (BPT skills learned in Phase I) and child compliance (BPT skills learned in Phase II) and caregiver depressive symptoms. Preliminary findings also provide support for caregiver-child relationship quality, caregiver warmth, and child defiance as potential mechanisms of change accounting for the cascading effect of BPT on caregiver depressive symptoms. Findings have important implications for guiding clinical judgment and treatment planning for families with this common constellation of symptoms.Doctor of Philosoph