Children with externalizing behavior problems : risk factors and preventive efforts

Children with externalising behaviour problems are characterised by behaviour such as fighting, vandalising, disobedience, skipping school, lying and stealing. Ineffective parenting is one of the main risk factors for these behavioural problems. Parent Management Training – the Oregon model (PMTO) is a training programme developed for parents of children aged four to twelve years with severe externalising behaviour problems and is aimed at improving parenting skills. This dissertation shows that PMTO is effective in terms of reducing externalising behaviour problems in children and improving parenting skills. However, this programme is not more effective than the provided standard care. It is also shown that stronger long-term effects are achieved if the PMTO therapist adheres strictly to the treatment principles.