The Effects of Young Children's Callous-Unemotional Traits on Behaviorally Observed Outcomes in Standard and Technology-Enhanced Behavioral Parent Training.

ABSTRACT

Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) remains the current standard of care for early onset behavior disorders (BD); however, problem behaviors characterized by relatively high callous unemotional (CU) traits are linked to poorer treatment outcomes, highlighting the need for novel interventions. This study examined the relation of baseline child CU traits to changes in observed parent and child (3 to 8 years old) behavior in 101 families with low-income randomized to either a standard (Helping the Noncompliant Child, HNC) or technology-enhanced BPT program (TE-HNC). Assessments occurred at baseline, post-intervention, and at a three-month follow-up. Treatment group moderated the relation between CU traits and observed parenting behaviors and child compliance. Specifically, higher levels of child CU traits at baseline predicted lower levels of positive parenting at post-intervention and follow-up, and lower levels of child compliance at follow-up but only in the standard program (HNC). This is the first intervention study to behaviorally assess the differential impact of CU traits in standard, relative to technology-enhanced, BPT and suggests the promise of a technology-enhanced treatment model.