Which intervention specifically targets parenting skills and behavior management to reduce oppositional behavior?

• A. Trauma-focused CBT
• B. Family-Based Therapy
• C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• D. Parent Management Training

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that changing how parents respond can directly reduce oppositional behavior. Parent Management Training teaches parents concrete skills to shape their child’s behavior: setting clear, consistent expectations; using predictable, nonpunitive consequences for defiance; and pairing lots of positive reinforcement with desired behaviors. It also covers building structured routines, improving parent–child communication, and practicing problem-solving to decrease power struggles. By equipping parents with these strategies, the pattern of escalating oppositional behavior—often driven by brief, inconsistent responses and negative reinforcement—can be replaced with more constructive interactions and clearer boundaries.

Trauma-focused CBT targets traumatic experiences and their emotional impact rather than specifically teaching parenting techniques for behavior management. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses more on the child’s thoughts and coping skills, not primarily on parent Training. Family-Based Therapy addresses family dynamics overall, but the component that directly trains parents in behavior management is best captured by Parent Management Training.