APA Dictionary of Psychology

an intervention for parents with preschool children at risk for developing a conduct disorder. The intervention teaches parenting skills in two phases. In the first phase, the focus is on improving the child–parent relationship by teaching parents to play with their child in a positive, nondirective manner using play therapy techniques; parents are also taught basic skills (e.g., selective ignoring, giving praise) to help modify unwanted behaviors in their child. In the second phase, the focus shifts to teaching parents strategies for behavior management, such as giving clear instructions to their child and applying appropriate consequences for noncompliance (e.g., time out, withdrawal of privileges). [developed in the 1970s by U.S. clinical child psychologist Sheila Eyberg]