A pilot study of the feasibility and efficacy of the Strategies to Enhance Positive Parenting (STEPP) program for single mothers of children with ADHD

Objective: The Strategies to Enhance Positive Parenting (STEPP) program was developed to address putative factors related to poor engagement in and outcomes following traditional behavioral parent training (BPT) for single mothers of children diagnosed with ADHD. Method: Twelve single mothers of children with ADHD were enrolled in an initial investigation of the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the 9-week STEPP program. Results: Results indicated that the STEPP program was effective in reducing problematic child behavior and improving parental stress and psychopathology at posttreatment. The STEPP program resulted in high rates of treatment attendance and completion and consumer satisfaction with the program. However, results also indicated that the STEPP program did not improve childrens' overall psychosocial impairment and resulted in small effect size findings across measures. Conclusion: The results of the pilot study are encouraging but indicate a need to improve the potency and delivery of certain aspects of the STEPP program. (J. of Att. Dis. 2008; 12(3) 270-280).