Parent Effectiveness Training: A Review

Abstract

Parent Effectiveness Training (PET) has become a popular approach for educating parents in child-rearing practices. PET is based, in part, upon the teachings of Carl Rogers and trains parents in listening techniques, communication skills, and child-parent problem solving. This paper summarizes and critically evaluates the research literature regarding the effects of PET on parents and their children. The existing research was judged by the authors as limited in scope and inadequate in design. Specifically problems regarding random assignment of subjects to groups, a relative lack of objective behavioral measures, inappropriate statistical methods, absent or inappropriate control conditions, and a lack of follow ups typify the research. Over-all, the effectiveness of PET as a prevention or intervention strategy was not supported.

A meta-analysis of the effects of parent effectiveness training

“…While the effects of PET are not overwhelmingly large, they are larger than what had heretofore been thought or discerned through previous reviews (Levant, 1983;Rinn & Markle, 1977); and they are on a par with similar interventions, such as family enrichment programs (Giblin et al, 1985). Thus, there is support for the use of PET as a preventive intervention.…”

“…Gordon (1980), in describing the effects of PET, has cited the positive research findings without consideration of how they may need to be qualified because of these methodological issues. Other reviewers have been more critical (Levant, 1983;Rinn & Markle, 1977) and in response serious criticisms have been made about the use of PET (Doherty & Ryder, 1980). Using a traditional narrative review technique, Rinn and Markle (1977) described and critiqued each of the 15 studies included in their review and concluded: "The data available on PET do not support the assumption that Parent Effectiveness Training is effective" (p. 20).…”

“…Other reviewers have been more critical (Levant, 1983;Rinn & Markle, 1977) and in response serious criticisms have been made about the use of PET (Doherty & Ryder, 1980). Using a traditional narrative review technique, Rinn and Markle (1977) described and critiqued each of the 15 studies included in their review and concluded: "The data available on PET do not support the assumption that Parent Effectiveness Training is effective" (p. 20). Levant (1983) looked at 23 studies of PET, only eight of which were included in the Rinn and Markle review.…”

Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong

“…In particular, emphasis is put on active listening, messages about the issues but without judgments (I-messages), and identifi cation of solutions that are acceptable to both people (i.e., win-win solutions) (Rinn & Markle, 1977 ). The program focuses on the promotion of democratic and collaborative relationships in the family.…”

The Effects of Interpersonal Confrontation on Females

“…The use of "I message" confrontation, while logically compelling, has no direct empirical support (Rinn & Markle, 1977;Tavormina, 1980;Tramontana, Sherrets, & Authier, 1980). The Magnavita et al (1980) model has not been empirically investigated at all.…”