Journal of Child and Family Studies https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-018-1207-0 ORIGINAL PAPER The Effectiveness of Coping Power Program for ADHD: An Observational Outcome Study L. Vanzin 1 ● P. Colombo 1 ● A. Valli 1 ● V. Mauri 1 ● S. Busti Ceccarelli 1 ● M. Pozzi 1 ● M. Molteni 1 ● M. Nobile 1 © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2018 Abstract The present study evaluates the implementation of the Coping Power Program (CPP)-Child Component in a group of patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and explores the effects of this treatment on changes in the primary and associated symptoms of ADHD. A clinical sample of 50 children and preadolescents (8–13 years) with ADHD was involved. The clinical sample was split into a treatment group (TG; N = 26), which was included in the child training program (CPP), and a control group (CG; N = 24), which was placed on a waiting list. The Clinical Global Impression- Severity (CGI-S) and the Child Behavior Checklist 6–18 (CBCL 6–18) were assessed at baseline and at the end of treatment. The outcomes were assessed as a CBCL-subscale response rate and a CGI-S shift. Our results showed a significant improvement in children’s global functioning and in emotional and behavioral symptoms. The children in the TG were more likely to shift from a more severe functional impairment class to a less severe one (69.2% of TG vs. 20.8% of CG). Further, the CGI-S scores diminished significantly in the TG (p < 0.01). There were significant differences in the changes in Social Problems (p < 0.05), Attention Problems (p < 0.05) and Rule-Breaking Behavior Scales (p < 0.05). CPP seemed to be effective in children and adolescents with ADHD without comorbidity for ODD or CD. Our study revealed an improved outcome, not only in the core symptoms of ADHD, but also in global functioning and social adjustment. Possible improvements to the present formulation of CPP-C are discussed. Keywords Coping Power Program ● ADHD ● CBCL ● CGI ● Externalizing problems ● Rehabilitation Introduction The Coping Power Program (CPP) is a multicomponent treatment program based on a contextual social–cognitive model (Lochman and Wells 2002a); it assumes that chil- dren’s aggressive behavior is a consequence of both child and contextual factors. Particularly, children with externa- lizing problems show distortions in their social–cognitive appraisals and a lack of social problem-solving skills while their parent often have poor problem-solving and family communication skills. The CPP is a group-specific intervention derived from the Anger Coping Program (Lochman et al. 1981), a school-based group intervention that promotes social cognitive skills in order to reduce future aggression and disruptive behavior, delinquency and substance abuse, as well as to build strong social relationships. It consists of a parent component and a child component (Lochman et al. 2008; Wells et al. 2008). The parent component focuses on identifying their child’s negative behavior by using specific operational terms and applying effective beha- vioral management strategies. The CPP child component consists of a 34-session group intervention, with each session lasting 50–60 min, along with a 16-session coor- dinated parent component, both of which are delivered over 16–18 months; the program can be shortened to fit into a single school year. The child component aims to teach children to recognize their emotions (in particular, anger arousal) and to cope with them (i.e., display them appropriately without aggressive behaviors). Sessions “focus on (a) establishing group rules and contingent reinforcement; (b) using self-statements, relaxation and These authors contributed equally: Vanzin L, Colombo P. * P. Colombo paola.colombo@bp.lnf.it 1 Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy 1234567890();,: 1234567890();,: