Boise State University Study
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 child and provide valuable feedback to PATCH leaders and administrators. Specifically, this study measured the following:
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Improvements in target behaviors in children before and after completing Project PATCH Treatment Program
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Parents' perceptions about the success of the Project PATCH Treatment Program in changing target behaviors in their child
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Parents' satisfaction with the Ranch staff who interacted with their children and 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:
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Significant decrease in frequency of family member conflicts
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Dramatic improvement in willingness to follow family rules
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Significantly fewer angry outbursts
Emotional Distress
Parents found their child made significant improvements in the following target feelings and behaviors:
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Decrease in feelings of depression, hopelessness, or despair
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Less feelings of worry, anxiousness, or irritability
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Not isolating himself/herself from social contacts
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Not experiencing feelings of lethargy 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:
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willingness to express feelings
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willingness to discuss problems
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effectively listening to others
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respecting views and opinions of others
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trusting others
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showing respect for others
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working individually on projects
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showing responsibility
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setting and following personal goals
Satisfaction with Program Staff and Ranch Facilities:
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Highly satisfied with the PATCH Treatment Program, leaders and staff who interacted with their child at the Ranch
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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.