Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

What type of therapy involves a program for training parents to use contingency management for child behavior?

1. Symbolic-experiential therapy

2. Behavioral therapy

3. Contingency management therapy

4. Biobehavioral therapy

The correct answer is: Contingency management therapy

The correct answer is associated with a structured approach aimed at equipping parents with specific strategies to manage their child's behavior through reinforcement and consequences. Contingency management, as a theoretical and practical framework, focuses on the principle that behavior can be shaped and modified through the systematic application of rewards (reinforcements) for desired behaviors and consequences (punishments) for undesired ones. In this context, a program designed for training parents would typically involve teaching them how to consistently apply these principles in everyday situations with their children. By understanding and controlling the contingencies that affect their child's behavior, parents can effectively create an environment that promotes positive behavior and discourages negative behavior. While other options might involve different therapeutic approaches, they don't specifically focus on training parents in the use of contingency management techniques. For example, symbolic-experiential therapy emphasizes emotional experiences and family dynamics rather than specific behavioral strategies. Behavioral therapy is broad and encompasses various techniques, but it may not specifically center around the parent-training aspect of contingency management. Biobehavioral therapy integrates biological and behavioral principles but again does not highlight the direct training of parents in managing child behaviors through contingency strategies. Thus, the emphasis on parent training within the context of behavior management accurately aligns with contingency management therapy as