The theoretical foundation for parent training is based in theories of social control, which posit that parents must structure and enforce behavioral standards for their children that reflect normative expectations for positive behaviors in interactions with others. Parent training programs focus on teaching parents and prospective parents the use of effective behavioral management skills. The training is highly structured in preparing parents to recognize both prosocial and antisocial behaviors, use social learning techniques, and improve family problemsolving and conflict-resolution skills. The training typically occurs in small groups led by a skilled trainer or clinician in age-related behavioral development and management. Variations in goals and structure under different types of program models are described. A significant amount of evaluation research has been conducted on the effectiveness of various types of parent-training. Several meta-analyses of research evaluations of types of parent training programs have been conducted. They have generally found positive program effects in reducing parental abuse of children and improving parents' child-rearing skills and problem behaviors. 50 references