Parenting skills training: an effective intervention for internalizing symptoms in younger children?

PROBLEM: A number of interventions are effective in treating older children with internalizing symptoms. However, little is known about the efficacy of psychological interventions in treating younger children. This study examined the impact on internalizing symptoms of a parenting skills training program. METHODS: Forty-three parents took part in a parenting skills training program. Externalizing and internalizing behaviors were measured before and after treatment and after a 6-month period. FINDINGS: Externalizing symptoms fell after treatment. Interestingly, internalizing scores fell to an approximately equivalent degree. CONCLUSIONS: An intervention targeted towards parenting may be efficacious in the treatment of children's internalizing symptoms.