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A Training Program for Mothers of Children with
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
Abstract
This study has been on adaptation, implementation and evaluation of a parental training program developed
by Cunningham and his colleagues (1998) for parents of children who were diagnosed with Attention Deficit
and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A total of 41, 24 experimental and 17 control group, mothers who had
6-12 years old children diagnosed with ADHD and received psychiatric help, participated in this pre and post
test experimental and wait list control group study in semi experimental design. Program was implemented in
the same hospital where children received psychiatric help on a once a week basis for twelve 2 hours length
group sessions and a follow-up session after a month interval. Effects of the training were examined through a
series of measures filled out by mothers, fathers and children, open ended evaluation of mothers and
impressions of the group leader. Changes in mothers’ knowledge about the training, their anxiety and
depression, mother child relations, family relations and problem levels of children were investigated.
Findings indicated that the training had no effects on fathers or children, but it had effects on mothers.
Experimental group mothers were observed to have more knowledge on ADHD, related problems and how to
cope with them. They perceived more decreases in their children’s internalizing and total problems and a
tendency of drop in their diagnostic symptoms. These positive effects could be increased if fathers and
children were included in the training. Widespread implementation of the program in our country where
special education opportunities at schools and professional support for parents are very limited is
recommended as an important social service.
Keywords:
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, Mother Training Program.
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