Child-Parent Relationship Therapy’s Effects on Stress Levels, Behavioral Concerns, and Parenting Efficacy in Military-Involved Families
Date
2018-12
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Austin Peay State University
Abstract
Military involved families are subject to military deployment which can lead to
numerous adverse effects throughout the family system. Such effects can include
heightened household tension, increased chances of developing mental health disorders, child behavioral concerns, and difficulty with the returning member incorporating into the family dynamic. Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) is an intervention based on the principles of child-centered play therapy that works to improve the overall filial bonds between parent and child. A mixed method explanatory sequential design was utilized including pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments in addition to exploratory interviews. The research included two participants and their chosen child of focus. Quantitative results indicated no significant statistical differences in parent-child stress or child behavior concerns but are trending in a positive direction. Practical
significance was determined with medium to large effect sizes on stress levels and
behavioral concerns (d=0.35-2.59). Qualitative results indicated CPRT had an effect on
the participant’s stress levels, child behavioral concerns, and parenting efficacy as well as
overall improvements in the parent-child relationship. Results are discussed in terms of
implications for interventions with military-involved families as well as future research
recommendations.
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Keywords
military, military deployment, play therapy