Boise State University Study

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June 2003, Department of Psychology
Theodore W. McDonald, Jalanie F. Johnson, Win Yin W. Tong

Purpose

Boise State University's Department of Psychology conducted an independent evaluation in 2003 with 138 parents to measure the success and effectiveness of the PATCH Treatment Program for their teen and to provide valuable feedback to PATCH leaders and administrators. Specifically, this study measured the following:

  • Improvements in target behaviors in the teens before and after completing the Project PATCH Treatment Program
  • Parents' perceptions about the success of the Project PATCH Treatment Program in changing target behaviors in their teen
  • Parents' satisfaction with the Ranch staff who interacted with their teens and with the Ranch facilities

Overall results of the 56 item survey of 138 Project PATCH alumni and their families found significant improvements in all 21 target behaviors.


Family/Peer Interaction

Parents found their child improved the most in the following target behaviors for how they deal with family members and peers:

  • Significant decrease in frequency of family member conflicts
  • Dramatic improvement in willingness to follow family rules
  • Significantly fewer angry outbursts


Emotional Distress

Parents found their child made significant improvements in the following target feelings and behaviors:

  • Feelings of depression, hopelessness, or despair
  • Feelings of worry, anxiousness, or irritability
  • Isolating himself/herself from social contacts
  • Lethargic behaviors or lack of energy


Personal Competency

Parents reported significant improvement in all categories, but especially their child's ability to respect the views and opinions of others and show responsibility. Overall, the PATCH Treatment Program was successful in all categories measuiring their child's social functioning:

  • Willingness to express feelings and to discuss problems
  • Ability to effectively listen to others
  • Showing respect for views and opinions of others
  • Ability to trust others
  • Ability to work individually on projects
  • Consistently taking responsibility for own actions
  • Exhibiting attitudes of respect for others
  • Ability to set and accomplish personal goals


Satisfaction with Program Staff and Ranch Facilities:

  • Highly satisfied with the PATCH Treatment Program, leaders and staff who interacted with their child at the Ranch
  • Highly satisfied with the PATCH Ranch facilities


Parents' overall perceptions of PATCH Treatment Program Success:

  • 88% of parents would recommend Project PATCH to other families with children who are experiencing difficulties.


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