Do Maternal Internalizing Problems Influence Treatment Outcomes in Group-Based vs. Individualized Child Behavior Management Interventions?

Coping Power (CP) is an evidence-based manualized group therapy targeting child conduct problems at the family level. We examined maternal-internalizing problems (e.g., depressive and anxiety symptoms) as a predictor of treatment response for children with disruptive behavior when comparing group treatment (CP) versus nonstandardizedindividualized treatment. Ninety-three mothers participated. CP was similar or better than individual treatment for families with maternal-internalizing problems. Marginally significant improvements in child conduct problems and inconsistent discipline were found among mothers in CP with internalizing problems. Findings highlight the potential efficacy of CP for child and parenting needs among families with maternal-internalizing problems.