Media-based behavioural treatments for behavioural problems in children.
Montgomery P. Bjornstad G, Dennis J.
The Issue
Children who have behavior problems are at risk of continuing to have difficulties that last into adulthood if no intervention is made to correct them. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been found to be effective in the treatment of behavioural problems in children. However, there may be barriers to using this type of therapy. Parents may have difficulty finding a qualified therapist. There are often long waiting lists for child psychologists and psychiatrists. The cost of the therapy may be beyond their means. To avoid problems gaining access to an effective therapy, CBT techniques have been offered through media-based formats such as Web sites, DVDs, cassettes, computer programmes, and booklets.
The Research
This is a review of studies that looked at the effectiveness of media-based CBT for children. The behavior problems being addressed included Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, conduct problems, learning disabilities, and sleep problems.
The Outcome
After an extensive search for articles, the review authors located 11 suitable studies about the effectiveness of media-based CBT in children with behavioural problems. Most of the interventions used written materials or videos. Some also provided telephone support. In some the techniques had been studied in well constructed clinical trials (e.g., The Incredible Years, Triple P).
Conclusions
Overall, media-based behavioural interventions were found to be moderately effective compared to no treatment. There were also found to be useful when combined with medication and therapist time. Media-based interventions allow parents to address behavior problems in the home. If more families used them, it might help reduce wait times for families whose children are experiencing much more serious problems.
The preceding is a summary of:
Montgomery P, Bjornstad G, Dennis J. Media-based behavioural treatments for behavioural problems in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2006, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD002206. DOI: 10.1002/14651858. CD002206.pub3.
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