Barriers Associated With the Implementation of Homework in Behavioral Parent Training Among Parents With ADHD Symptoms.

PURPOSE: Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) is a front-line intervention for childhood ADHD, yet its effectiveness is reduced in families where parents also experience ADHD. Prior research suggests this attenuation stems from reduced BPT skill use among parents with ADHD symptoms. Beyond simply recognizing its occurrence, identifying the factors that contribute to poor skill use is essential for enhancing BPT effectiveness among parents with ADHD symptoms. The current study is the first, to our knowledge, to qualitatively examine barriers to BPT skill use in multiplex ADHD families. METHODS: Parents with ADHD symptoms who recently completed a BPT program (n = 16) and BPT clinicians (n = 4) participated in focus groups or interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed to identify common and impairing barriers to consistent skill implementation at home. RESULTS: Four primary themes emerged: (a) executive functioning and ADHD symptoms; (b) intervention fit (e.g., fast pace, poor skill understanding); (c) emotion regulation and motivation; and (d) child and family factors (e.g., multiple children, family communication). CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the unique cognitive, emotional, and contextual challenges that parents with elevated ADHD symptoms face when applying BPT skills. Addressing these barriers through intervention modifications, such as cognitive-behavioral strategies for parents, digital tools, and program delivery adaptations, may improve parents' skill use and, in turn, child outcomes.