GenerationPMTO – Individual
GenerationPMTO – Individual, formerly known as Parent Management Training – Oregon Model (PMTO®), is a parenting and family functioning intervention. The intervention is designed to increase parenting skills and promote effective family management.
In the first session, the GenerationPMTO specialist engages families and begins building the therapeutic alliance. In the following sessions, the specialist teaches parents skills such as how to: give good directions and encourage cooperation, observe and regulate emotions, teach children through contingent positive reinforcement (e.g., token systems and incentive charts), set limits and use discipline strategies, balance encouragement and discipline, use active communication, problem-solve and manage family conflicts, and monitor children’s activities and behavior. Skills are reinforced with home practice assignments and brief calls between sessions. Specialists also teach parents how to apply content to foster positive involvement in their children’s daily lives and promote school success. The intervention model emphasizes role playing as a teaching tool, using questions to promote learning, and encouraging a united parenting front.
GenerationPMTO – Individual is rated as a promising practice because at least one study achieved a rating of moderate or high on study design and execution and demonstrated a favorable effect on a target outcome.
Date Research Evidence Last Reviewed: Mar 2022
Sources
The program or service description, target population, and program or service delivery and implementation information were informed by the following sources: the program or service manual, the program or service developer’s website, the California Evidence Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare, and the studies reviewed.
This information does not necessarily represent the views of the program or service developers. For more information on how this program or service was reviewed, visit the Review Process page or download the Handbook.
Target Population
GenerationPMTO – Individual serves parents of children ages 2–17 with behavioral problems such as aggression, antisocial behaviors, conduct problems, oppositional defiance, delinquency, and substance use.
Dosage
GenerationPMTO – Individual is delivered by certified specialists in weekly family therapy sessions. Each session lasts about 50 minutes. Families typically attend 6–25 sessions over 3–6 months. Treatment length is based on problem severity and family needs.
Location/Delivery Setting
Recommended Locations/Delivery Settings
GenerationPMTO – Individual can be delivered in community settings such as outpatient clinics and community-based agencies, and in participants’ homes.
Location/Delivery Settings Observed in the Research
- Mental Health Center, Treatment Center, Therapist Office
Education, Certifications and Training
The organization implementing GenerationPMTO – Individual determines the education requirements for specialists. Specialists typically have formal training in counseling, clinical social work, or education. Specialists must attend three workshops and coaching seminars for 10–18 days of training. Workshop trainers employ active teaching techniques, including modeling, video demonstrations, role play, experiential exercises, and video recordings of practice followed by direct feedback. Coaching focuses on content delivery, therapeutic process, and teaching strategies.
Following the first workshop, specialists begin providing services to at least three families. These sessions are video recorded for observation-based coaching feedback. Training mentors and coaches review the recordings and provide strength-based written feedback and coaching based on the GenerationPMTO Fidelity Implementation Rating System (FIMP). Specialists receive at least 12 reflective coaching sessions based on direct observation of their therapy sessions with families.
After providing GenerationPMTO – Individual to three training families, specialists are invited to advance to certification candidacy. To become certified, specialists submit four video recordings from two new families. Specialists must achieve passing scores on all four recordings that are reviewed by FIMP raters. Certified GenerationPMTO – Individual specialists are required to participate in ongoing coaching and submit one family session annually for recertification. Specialists attend a 1-day annual booster workshop.
Program or Service Documentation
Book/Manual/Available documentation used for review
Rains, L. A., & Forgatch, M. S. (2018). A course in the GenerationPMTO model: Practitioner training (K. Bryson, Ed.). Implementation Sciences International, Inc.
Available languages
GenerationPMTO – Individual materials are available in English, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Icelandic, and Norwegian.
Other supporting materials
GenerationPMTO Training & Certification
For More Information
Website: https://www.generationpmto.org/
Phone: (541) 485-2711
Contact form: https://www.generationpmto.org/contact
Note: The details on Dosage; Location; Education, Certifications, and Training; Other Supporting Materials; and For More Information sections above are provided to website users for informational purposes only. This information is not exhaustive and may be subject to change.
| Results of Search and Review | Number of Studies Identified and Reviewed for GenerationPMTO – Individual |
|---|---|
| Identified in Search | 13 |
| Eligible for Review | 7 |
| Rated High | 2 |
| Rated Moderate | 0 |
| Rated Low | 5 |
| Reviewed Only for Risk of Harm | 0 |
| Outcome | Effect Size
 and Implied Percentile Effect
|
N of Studies (Findings) | N of Participants | Summary of Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child well-being: Behavioral and emotional functioning |
0.06
2 |
2 (18) | 220 |
Favorable:
0 No Effect: 18 Unfavorable: 0 |
| Child well-being: Social functioning |
0.28
11 |
1 (2) | 97 |
Favorable:
1 No Effect: 1 Unfavorable: 0 |
| Adult well-being: Positive parenting practices |
-0.02
0 |
1 (4) | 97 |
Favorable:
0 No Effect: 4 Unfavorable: 0 |
| Adult well-being: Parent/caregiver mental or emotional health |
-0.09
-3 |
2 (7) | 221 |
Favorable:
0 No Effect: 7 Unfavorable: 0 |
Note: For the effect sizes and implied percentile effects reported in the table, a positive number favors the intervention group and a negative number favors the comparison group.
| Outcome | Effect Size
and Implied Percentile Effect
|
N of Studies (Findings) | N of Participants | Summary of Findings |
Months after treatment when outcome measured
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child well-being: Behavioral and emotional functioning |
0.06
2 |
2 (18) | 220 |
Favorable:
0 No Effect: 18 Unfavorable: 0 |
- |
| Study 11328 - PMTO vs. Family-based Services as Usual (Scavenius, 2020) | |||||
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Total Difficulties Score |
0.00
0 |
- | 124 | - | 0 |
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Total Difficulties Score |
0.08
3 |
- | 113 | - | 19 |
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Externalizing Problems |
0.20
7 |
- | 124 | - | 0 |
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Externalizing Problems |
0.14
5 |
- | 113 | - | 19 |
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Internalizing Problems |
-0.21
-8 |
- | 124 | - | 0 |
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Internalizing Problems |
-0.02
0 |
- | 113 | - | 19 |
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Emotional Symptoms |
-0.23
-9 |
- | 124 | - | 0 |
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Emotional Symptoms |
-0.11
-4 |
- | 113 | - | 19 |
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Conduct Problems |
0.30
11 |
- | 124 | - | 0 |
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Conduct Problems |
0.11
4 |
- | 113 | - | 19 |
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Hyperactivity/Inattention |
0.08
3 |
- | 124 | - | 0 |
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Hyperactivity/Inattention |
0.14
5 |
- | 113 | - | 19 |
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Peer Relationship Problems |
-0.11
-4 |
- | 124 | - | 0 |
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Peer Relationship Problems |
0.09
3 |
- | 113 | - | 19 |
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Prosocial Behavior |
-0.15
-6 |
- | 124 | - | 0 |
| Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Prosocial Behavior |
0.05
1 |
- | 113 | - | 19 |
| Study 11330 - PMTO vs. Services as Usual (Sigmarsdóttir, 2015) | |||||
| Child Behavior Checklist: Total Problems (Parent Report) |
0.14
5 |
- | 96 | - | 0 |
| Children's Depression Inventory |
0.06
2 |
- | 96 | - | 0 |
| Child well-being: Social functioning |
0.28
11 |
1 (2) | 97 |
Favorable:
1 No Effect: 1 Unfavorable: 0 |
- |
| Study 11330 - PMTO vs. Services as Usual (Sigmarsdóttir, 2015) | |||||
| Social Skills Rating System (Parent Report) |
0.44
*
16 |
- | 97 | - | 0 |
| Social Skills Rating System (Teacher Report) |
0.13
5 |
- | 97 | - | 0 |
| Adult well-being: Positive parenting practices |
-0.02
0 |
1 (4) | 97 |
Favorable:
0 No Effect: 4 Unfavorable: 0 |
- |
| Study 11330 - PMTO vs. Services as Usual (Sigmarsdóttir, 2013) | |||||
| Coder's Impressions: Skill Encouragement |
0.05
1 |
- | 97 | - | 0 |
| Coder's Impressions: Problem Solving |
-0.13
-5 |
- | 97 | - | 0 |
| Coder's Impressions: Positive Involvement |
0.00
0 |
- | 97 | - | 0 |
| Coder's Impressions: Good Discipline |
-0.01
0 |
- | 97 | - | 0 |
| Adult well-being: Parent/caregiver mental or emotional health |
-0.09
-3 |
2 (7) | 221 |
Favorable:
0 No Effect: 7 Unfavorable: 0 |
- |
| Study 11328 - PMTO vs. Family-based Services as Usual (Scavenius, 2020) | |||||
| Parenting Sense of Competence: Parenting Efficacy |
-0.13
-5 |
- | 124 | - | 0 |
| Parenting Sense of Competence: Parenting Efficacy |
-0.26
-10 |
- | 113 | - | 19 |
| Parental Stress Scale |
-0.14
-5 |
- | 124 | - | 0 |
| Parental Stress Scale |
-0.26
-10 |
- | 113 | - | 19 |
| Major Depression Inventory |
0.11
4 |
- | 124 | - | 0 |
| Major Depression Inventory |
0.03
1 |
- | 113 | - | 19 |
| Study 11330 - PMTO vs. Services as Usual (Sigmarsdóttir, 2013) | |||||
| General Health Questionnaire 30: Depressive Symptoms |
-0.07
-2 |
- | 97 | - | 0 |
*p <.05
Note: For the effect sizes and implied percentile effects reported in the table, a positive number favors the intervention group and a negative number favors the comparison group. Effect sizes and implied percentile effects were calculated by the Prevention Services Clearinghouse as described in the Handbook of Standards and Procedures, Section 5.10.4 and may not align with effect sizes reported in individual publications.
Only publications with eligible contrasts that met design and execution standards are included in the individual study findings table.
Full citations for the studies shown in the table are available in the "Studies Reviewed" section.
The participant characteristics display is an initial version. We encourage those interested in providing feedback to send suggestions to preventionservices@abtassoc.com.
The table below displays locations, the year, and participant demographics for studies that received moderate or high ratings on design and execution and that reported the information. Participant characteristics for studies with more than one intervention versus comparison group pair that received moderate or high ratings are shown separately in the table. Please note, the information presented here uses terminology directly from the study documents, when available. Studies that received moderate or high ratings on design and execution that did not include relevant participant demographic information would not be represented in this table.
For more information on how Clearinghouse reviewers record the information in the table, please see our Resource Guide on Study Participant Characteristics and Settings.
| Characteristics of the Participants in the Studies with Moderate or High Ratings | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Study Location
|
Study Year
|
Age or Grade-level
|
Race, Ethnicity, Nationality
|
Gender
|
Populations of Interest*
|
Household Socioeconomic Status
|
| Study 11330 - PMTO vs. Services as Usual | ||||||
| Characteristics of the Children and Youth | ||||||
| Iceland | 2007 | Average age: 8 years; Age range: 5 to 12 years; Kindergarten: 15%; Elementary: 85% | -- |
73% Boys 27% Girls |
-- | -- |
| Characteristics of the Adults, Parents, or Caregivers | ||||||
| Iceland | 2007 | -- | -- | -- | 27% Single parent households | -- |
| Study 11328 - PMTO vs. Family-based Services as Usual | ||||||
| Characteristics of the Children and Youth | ||||||
| Denmark | 2013 | Average age: 8 years; Age range: 4 to 13 years | -- | 70% Boys | -- | -- |
| Characteristics of the Adults, Parents, or Caregivers | ||||||
| Denmark | 2013 | Average age of mothers: 38 years; Average age of fathers: 40 years | -- | -- | -- | 61% Main caregiver is employed |
“--” indicates information not reported in the study.
* The information about disabilities is based on initial coding. For more information on how the Clearinghouse recorded disability information for the initial release, please see our Resource Guide on Study Participant Characteristics and Settings. The Clearinghouse is currently seeking consultation from experts, including those with lived experience, and input from the public to enhance and improve the display.
Note: Citations for the documents associated with each 5-digit study number shown in the table can be found in the “Studies Reviewed” section below. Study settings and participant demographics are recorded for all studies that received moderate or high ratings on design and execution and that reported the information. Studies that did not report any information about setting or participant demographics are not displayed. For more information on how participant characteristics are recorded, please see our Resource Guide on Study Participant Characteristics and Settings.
Studies Rated High
Study 11330Sigmarsdóttir, M., Degarmo, D. S., Forgatch, M. S., & Guðmundsdóttir, E. V. (2013). Treatment effectiveness of PMTO for children's behavior problems in Iceland: Assessing parenting practices in a randomized controlled trial. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 54(6), 468-476. https://doi.org/10.1111/sjop.12078
Sigmarsdóttir, M., Thorlacius, Ö., Guðmundsdóttir, E. V., & DeGarmo, D. S. (2015). Treatment effectiveness of PMTO for children's behavior problems in Iceland: Child outcomes in a nationwide randomized controlled trial. Family Process, 54(3), 498-517. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12109
This study was conducted in a usual care or practice setting (Handbook Section 6.2.2)Study 11328
Scavenius, C., Chacko, A., Lindberg, M. R., Granski, M., Vardanian, M. M., Pontoppidan, M., Hansen, H., & Eiberg, M. (2020). Parent management training Oregon model and family-based services as usual for behavioral problems in youth: A national randomized controlled trial in Denmark. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 51(5), 839-852. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-020-01028-y
This study was conducted in a usual care or practice setting (Handbook Section 6.2.2)Studies Rated Low
Study 11324Maaskant, A. M., van Rooij, F. B., Overbeek, G. J., Oort, F. J., Arntz, M., & Hermanns, J. M. A. (2017). Effects of PMTO in foster families with children with behavior problems: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26(2), 523-539. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-016-0579-2
Maaskant, A. M., van Rooij, F. B., Overbeek, G. J., Oort, F. J., & Hermanns, J. M. A. (2016). Parent training in foster families with children with behavior problems: Follow-up results from a randomized controlled trial. Children and Youth Services Review, 70, 84-94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.09.005
This study received a low rating because baseline equivalence of the intervention and comparison groups was necessary and not demonstrated.Study 11331
Thijssen, J., Vink, G., Muris, P., & de Ruiter, C. (2017). The effectiveness of parent management training—Oregon model in clinically referred children with externalizing behavior problems in the Netherlands. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 48(1), 136-150. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-016-0660-5
This study received a low rating because baseline equivalence of the intervention and comparison groups was necessary and not demonstrated.Study 11329
Schoorl, J., Rijn, S., de Wied, M., van Goozen, S. H. M., & Swaab, H. (2017). Neurobiological stress responses predict aggression in boys with oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder: A 1-year follow-up intervention study. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 26(7), 805-813. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-017-0950-x
This study received a low rating because it did not meet design confound standards.Study 11321
Ogden, T., & Hagen, K. A. (2008). Treatment effectiveness of parent management training in Norway: A randomized controlled trial of children with conduct problems. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76(4), 607-621. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.76.4.607
Hagen, K. A., Ogden, T., & Bjørnebekk, G. (2011). Treatment outcomes and mediators of parent management training: A one-year follow-up of children with conduct problems. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 40(2), 165-178. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2011.546050
Solholm, R., Bjørknes, R., & Jakobsen, R. (2019). Change in mothers’ perception of well-being and distress following treatment of child conduct problems. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 28(4), 1059-1070. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01341-8
This study received a low rating because it did not meet the statistical model standards.Study 11320
He, Y., Gewirtz, A. H., Lee, S., & August, G. (2018). Do parent preferences for child conduct problem interventions impact parenting outcomes? A pilot study in community children's mental health settings. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 44(4), 716-729. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12310
Gewirtz, A. H., Lee, S. S., August, G. J., & He, Y. (2019). Does giving parents their choice of interventions for child behavior problems improve child outcomes? Prevention Science, 20(1), 78-88. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-018-0865-x
This study received a low rating because it did not meet the statistical model standards.Studies Not Eligible for Review
Study 11310
Akin, B. A., Testa, M. F., McDonald, T. P., Melz, H., Blase, K. A., & Barclay, A. (2014). Formative evaluation of an evidence-based intervention to reduce long-term foster care: Assessing readiness for summative evaluation. Journal of Public Child Welfare, 8(4), 354-374. https://doi.org/10.1080/15548732.2014.939250
Akin, B. A., Byers, K. D., Lloyd, M. H., & McDonald, T. P. (2015). Joining formative evaluation with translational science to assess an EBI in foster care: Examining social-emotional well-being and placement stability. Children and Youth Services Review, 58, 253-264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2015.10.005
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 11312
Akin, B. A., Lang, K., McDonald, T. P., Yan, Y., & Little, T. (2018). Randomized study of PMTO in foster care: Six-month parent outcomes. Research on Social Work Practice, 28(7), 810-826. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731517703746
Akin, B. A., Lang, K., Yan, Y., & McDonald, T. P. (2018). Randomized trial of PMTO in foster care: 12-month child well-being, parenting, and caregiver functioning outcomes. Children and Youth Services Review, 95, 49-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.10.018
Akin, B. A., & McDonald, T. P. (2018). Parenting intervention effects on reunification: A randomized trial of PMTO in foster care. Child Abuse & Neglect, 83, 94-105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.07.011
Akin, B. A., Lang, K., McDonald, T. P., Yan, Y., & Little, T. (2019). Randomized trial of PMTO in foster care: Six-month child well-being outcomes. Research on Social Work Practice, 29(2), 206-222. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731516669822
Yan, Y., & De Luca, S. (2020). Heterogeneity of treatment effects of PMTO in foster care: A latent profile transition analysis. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 30, 17-28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-020-01798-y
Akin, B. A., Yan, Y., McDonald, T., & Moon, J. (2017). Changes in parenting practices during Parent Management Training Oregon model with parents of children in foster care. Children and Youth Services Review, 76, 181-191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.03.010
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 11315
Forgatch, M. S., DeGarmo, D. S., & Beldavs, Z. G. (2005). An efficacious theory-based intervention for stepfamilies. Behavior Therapy, 36(4), 357-365. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7894(05)80117-0
DeGarmo, D. S., & Forgatch, M. S. (2007). Efficacy of parent training for stepfathers: From playful spectator and polite stranger to effective stepfathering. Parenting: Science and Practice, 7(4), 331-355. https://doi.org/10.1080/15295190701665631
Bullard, L., Wachlarowicz, M., DeLeeuw, J., Snyder, J., Low, S., Forgatch, M., & DeGarmo, D. (2010). Effects of the Oregon model of Parent Management Training (PMTO) on marital adjustment in new stepfamilies: A randomized trial. Journal of Family Psychology, 24(4), 485-496. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0020267
Wachlarowicz, M., Snyder, J., Low, S., Forgatch, M., & DeGarmo, D. (2012). The moderating effects of parent antisocial characteristics on the effects of Parent Management Training-Oregon (PMTOTM). Prevention Science, 13(3), 229-240. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-011-0262-1
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 11325
Martinez, C. R., Jr., & Eddy, J. M. (2005). Effects of culturally adapted parent management training on Latino youth behavioral health outcomes. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73(5), 841-851. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.73.5.841
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 11326
Ogden, T., Amlund Hagen, K., Askeland, E., & Christensen, B. (2009). Implementing and evaluating evidence-based treatments of conduct problems in children and youth in Norway. Research on Social Work Practice, 19(5), 582-591. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731509335530
This study is ineligible for review because it does not use an eligible study design (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.4).
Study 11332
Tømmeraas, T., & Ogden, T. (2017). Is there a scale-up penalty? Testing behavioral change in the scaling up of Parent Management Training in Norway. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 44, 203-216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-015-0712-3
This study is ineligible for review because it does not use an eligible study design (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.4).