Integrating self-determination theory and collaborative problem solving to improve parent-child relationships: a theoretical perspective

Although Self-Determination Theory has applications to parenting, there are few empirically supported treatments consistent with this model available for dissemination to families of children exhibiting challenging behavior. Most parenting interventions for youth oppositionality virtually ignore autonomy support, a construct central to Self-Determination Theory, that consistently predicts positive outcomes. Self-Determination Theory may offer a useful framework for parents struggling to raise well-adjusted children but it may be difficult for families to apply such general principles to their idiosyncratic parenting challenges. This article proposes that Collaborative Problem Solving is an approach consistent with Self Determination Theory that has great utility in offering actionable recommendations for families of children with behavioral concerns. Integrating distinct literatures (motivation and clinical psychology) could enhance our understanding of how Collaborative Problem Solving affects behavior change and future work could examine motivational processes as possible treatment mechanisms, further supporting the relevance of Self-Determination Theory constructs for intervention science.