The overarching aim of this study was to determine if the Nurtured Heart Approach® (NHA) can reduce the symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which are associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), among children ages six to eight years old. NHA is a six-week, online, behavioral intervention that trains parents on its three primary principles including: (1) completely refusing to engage in negativity, by moving toward the elimination of strong reactions such as reprimands, yelling, and hitting, (2) persistently creating and emphasizing positivity and success, and (3) being absolutely clear when using consequences and setting limits. We randomly assigned 104 parents to either the immediate or delayed NHA intervention. Data were collected and analyzed using surveys from parents at three time points. We expected NHA parent training would be associated with (1) reductions in their child’s AD/HD behaviors, (2) reductions in parental stress, and (3) improvements in parents’ sense of competency. Parents reported significantly improved AD/HD symptoms in their children as well as lower parental stress; however, improvements in parents’ sense of competency were not detected.

Collaborators:
Richard J. Wahl, MD
Betsy C. Wertheim, MS

Study Related Links:
Study Infographic
Study listing on ClincialTrials.gov
Published study protocol
U of A Alumni article