The effects of preparing parents for child psychotherapy on accuracy of expectations and treatment attendance

Abstract

This study used an experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of two procedures designed to inform parents about the workings of child therapy, increase the accuracy of their expectations for their child's treatment, and thereby improve their attendance rates. The informational materials explained the importance of parental involvement, how play is used in therapy, confidentiality, and the importance of persisting with treatment until goals are met. Participants were 149 parents or primary caretakers of children aged 3-10 years old. The findings were that: (1) The combination of a brochure and videotape increased the accuracy of parental expectations; (2) the brochure alone had no effect; (3) parents with more accurate expectations had higher rates of treatment utilization on 2 of 7 indices of attendance; and (4) the preparation procedures did not improve attendance rates. Implications for understanding and improving parental utilization of child therapy services are discussed.