| dc.description.abstract | Many treatments including, diets and medication, have
been documented as successful interventions for treating
hyperactive children diagnosed with Attention Deficit
Disorder (A.D.D.).Because compliance and constant monitoring
are instrumental in these long term interventions, success
is not always the outcome.Furthermore, the A.D.D. child's
behaviour can cause a constant strain on the parents. A
number of studies have indicated that parents can be helpful
co-therapists in treating their children.Not only does the
child benefit in this case but, by educating the family on
symptomology and providing education to aid the parents
dealing with a hyperactive child, stress may decline
relieving the tension caused by the interaction of the
hyperactive child and the family unit. Studies have
additionally indicated, that parents benefit, more from small
group support than from individual counselling.
Individual counselling was provided at a local
children's centre. However, the question of whether or not
group counselling * was an alternative treatment was
investigated in this study. Two experimental groups, one
comprised of five to six single parents and the other of
five to six two parent couples were compared to the control
group consisting of parents who opted for individual
counselling.The children's group was used in conjunction
with the parenting groups. Strategies in the children's
groups were presented at an experiential level
understandable to the children. There was no manipulation of
the children's group.Both prior to and at the end of the six
week program all groups were requested to complete three
questionnaires; The Conners Behaviour Checklist (1960), The
Achenbach Child Behaviour Checklist (1983) and Barkley's
Home Situation Questionnaire (1980) in addition to an
evaluation questionnaire to determine whether changes in
hyperactive behaviour resulted. Parental groups were
provided information and practice in behaviour modification
through role-playing techniques and group discussions. Ttests
revealed little difference between the control group
and those receiving group counselling. This suggests that
depending on the number of referrals, group counselling
could be somewhat more feasible than individual counselling. | |
