A training technique for improving the parent-child interaction skills of an abusive-neglectful mother.

Several recent investigations have shown that abusive and neglectful parents exhibit deficits in skills for interacting with their children. In the current study, an inattentive and neglectful parent was taught to provide positive verbal and physical attention towards her 4-year-old child. Training was accomplished using a "bug-in-the-ear" microphone device while the parent interacted with her child in a clinic playroom. After use of the device was discontinued, the parent continued to use the newly trained skills at rates higher than during baseline. Four month follow-up and at home observations were suggestive of skill maintenance. Training of this kind may prove useful for parents who lack skills for effective interaction with their children.