The widespread lack of research focus related to the efficacy of psychological interventions on non-White populations leads to a decrease in the generalizability of such interventions to minority groups. Martinez and Eddy (2005) emphasize the absence of research regarding the effectiveness of interventions targeting parents, such as Parent Management Training (PMT), on non-White sociocultural groups. PMT generally entails utilizing educational interventions to target parent-child interactions such as discipline, communication, roles in the home, and other parenting skills.
There is a strong need to implement effective techniques geared towards Latinos, and overcome many of the cultural stigmas towards mental health seeking behaviors that are prevalent within this population. Targeting the Latino population is imperative due to their steadily increasing population in the US, which grew over 58% over ten years (US Census Bureau, 2001). In this study, comprising over 70 Latino families, the authors implemented an adapted version of a PMT protocol to half of the families; the other families were named the control group. The authors hypothesized that implementing PMT strategies early on will influence the youth’s negative behavioral outcomes related to incarceration, drug use, school dropout, and overall health. Results indicated that PMT was affective in improving overall parenting efficacy, homework engagement, and positive reinforcement within the home. Furthermore, results suggest reductions in youth aggression, externalizing behaviors, and potential tobacco use. Overall, such promising results suggest that implementing minority-focused interventions such as PMT can be both practical and effective in community-level settings.
For more information, visit: http://cssr.berkeley.edu/cwscmsreports/LatinoPracticeAdvisory/Culturally%20Adapted%20Parent%20Mgmt%20Training.pdf
References:
Martinez, C. R. & Eddy, J. M. (2005). Effects of culturally adapted parent management training on Latino youth behavioral health outcomes.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73, 841-51.
U.S. Census Bureau (2001).
The Hispanic population: Census 2000 brief. Washington, DC: Author.
Contributors:
Shervin Tehranirad, M.A., M.P.H., & Carolyn Certilman, M.A.
Doctoral Interns in Clinical Psychology
St. Vincent Neuroscience Institute – St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital
Elizabeth N. Andresen, Ph.D., HSPP
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Diversity Coordinator, Doctoral Internship Program
St. Vincent Neuroscience Institute – St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital
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