Effectiveness of parent management training in reducing oppositional and defiant behaviors in a clinical sample of Egyptian children

Parenting plays a significant role in shaping a child’s behavior. Parent Management Training (PMT) is a well-established treatment for children with disruptive behavior disorders. No controlled studies have assessed PMT’s efficacy in the Arab region. Eighty-seven families with children displaying oppositional and disruptive behaviors were recruited. Fifty-two completed an Arabic-adapted PMT program, while 35 participated in treatment as usual, consisting of child-centered behavioral therapy, over 8 weeks. Both groups were then followed every 4 weeks for 16 weeks. Families completed validated Arabic versions of the Child Behavior Checklist (6–18) (CBCL 6–18) and the Conflict Tactic Scale - Parent Child Version (CTS-PC) scales at intake, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Both groups matched on age, sex, socioeconomic status, and psychoactive medication use. The PMT group showed greater, ongoing improvement in CBCL 6–18 internalizing and externalizing scores. This pattern did not differ by age group, medication use, or trainer. After therapy, both groups reported using less non-violent discipline and psychological aggression in dealing with their children. Culturally adapted PMT could be more effective than the child-centered behavior modification commonly used in Egypt. It may help to reduce disruptive behavior, support psychological well-being, and improve parent-child relationships.