On the Modification of Acceptability Ratings for Alternative Child Treatments

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Abstract
This study compared the acceptability of three child behavior therapy techniques (DRI, positive practice, and timeout). A fourth treatment (humanistic parenting) also was included for control purposes. Ratings were obtained from 96 introductory college students before and after they received systematic instruction in the use of the behavioral procedures. Preliminary results showed a clear preference for DRI, followed by humanistic parenting, and positive practice. Timeout received the least favorable evaluation. During the postinstruction phase, each of the three behavioral approaches was judged more favorably than before and, furthermore, there no longer were any consistent differences between them. Ratings on humanistic parenting declined as the behavioral treatments were judged more acceptable. The results extend Kazdin's earlier findings and indicate that acceptability ratings for alternative treatments are by .o means immutable. Behavioral treatments can be made more acceptable by appropriate educational means.