Six criteria were usedto select studies for inclusion. First,the study
had to report on a parent training intervention targeting their child’s
disruptive behavior problems (but not targeting criminal activities or
child maltreatment), measured using a valid scale with established
reliability and validity properties (e.g., Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory
[ECBI]; Eyberg and Robinson 1983). Accordingly, we did
not include studies of general parent training targeting child rearing,
as their focus is not specifically to improve behavioral problems.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) studies were included
if the primary goal was to target children’s externalizing behavior.
Second, the program was designed to use digital media or
software programs (e.g., DVD, online based), primarily to replace
human support, and not to be primarily used within a therapy setting
(e.g., group, face-to-face) or in parallel to sessions with a therapist or a
coach. Accordingly, studies investigating the efficacy of therapistassisted
BPT or investigating traditional therapy delivered through
teleconference were excluded. Third, the study reported on families
in which the targeted children did not have developmental delay or
health impairment. Fourth, the study reported meta-analyzable outcomes,
as detailed in the coding section, regarding child behavior,
parent behavior, or parental confidence in self-efficacy. Fifth, the
study had atleast one treatment and one control group, drawn from the
same population, with at least five participants per group. Sixth, the
study was published in English and in a peer-reviewed source