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. 2023 Jun;104(2):154-166.
doi: 10.1177/10443894221133419. Epub 2022 Dec 20.

An Examination of the 4 Rs 2 Ss for Problem Behaviors: A Preventive Approach

Mary Acri  1 , Idan Falek  2 , Emily Hamovitch  3 , Geetha Gopalan  4 , Lindsay Bornheimer  5 , Mary McKay  6
Affiliations

An Examination of the 4 Rs 2 Ss for Problem Behaviors: A Preventive Approach

Mary Acri et al. Fam Soc. 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Early treatment of behavioral problems can prevent their progression into intractable disorders. This study examined the impact of a multiple family group (MFG) intervention for children with behavior symptoms and their families. Fifty-four (n = 54) caregiver/child dyads with sub-clinical levels of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) participated in a 16-week MFG. Child, caregiver, and family outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and at 6 months follow-up. Significant decreases in impairment with parents, family members, and peers, and improvements in child self-esteem were found from baseline to follow-up. Caregiver stress increased; no significant changes in depression or perceived social support were found over time. The effectiveness of MFG as a preventive approach and areas of future research are discussed.

Keywords: behavior problems; multiple family group intervention; prevention programs.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

References

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