Using behavioral skills training to teach parents to implement three-step prompting: A component analysis and generalization assessment

Noncompliance is a common childhood behavior problem that has been treated effectively using three-step prompting and differential reinforcement of compliance. Researchers have successfully taught parents to implement this intervention package using behavioral skills training (BST). Although effective, BST is an intensive teaching strategy and the generality of the effects of training on parent and child behavior have not been assessed. The current study conducted a component analysis of the elements of BST (written instructions, modeling, and rehearsal with performance feedback) to determine the sufficient and necessary elements of training needed to teach parents to implement three-step prompting and DRA. Further, we assessed generalization of parents' skills across multiple instructional contexts with their children. The results indicated that the full BST package was necessary for parents to reach mastery levels of correct implementation, but training generalized across untargeted tasks.