Parent Acceptability of Function-Based Treatment for Childhood Challenging Behavior in a Sample of Mexican Families

Abstract

The present study investigated the extent to which behavioral treatment strategies are preferred and accepted by parents with diverse acculturation level and language preferences and examined the degree to which behavioral treatments based on functions of behavior mitigate stress in Mexican parents. A multi-methods approach of parental survey and interview was used to identify idiosyncratic cultural variables that affect parental acceptability as well as parental stress. Pre and post survey examined acculturation levels, parental stress levels, and treatment acceptability. Parental interviews examined parental perception of function-based treatment in relation to cultural values. Function-based behavioral treatment for Mexican children involving parent management of strategies targeting challenging behavior in Mexican children was found effective. Except for one mother, all mothers reported a reduction of total parental stress post- intervention, with effect sizes ranging from small to large. The decreased levels of parental stress following the intervention were associated with a decrease in challenging behavior. Conclusions drawn from this study demonstrate that when treatment strategies align with parents’ cultural values, adherence to treatment recommendations increases, and challenging behavior and parental stress decrease. Important factors and recommendations for behavioral practitioners on developing cultural awareness and delivering treatment to Mexican families are presented.