Collaborative Problem Solving^® (CPS) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

The CPS approach was originally developed as an alternative treatment for children with what mental health professionals refer to as “externalizing problems.” Externalizing problems include disruptive behavior disorders, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Children with ODD struggle with defiance, frequent arguing, and difficulty following rules. Many studies have shown CPS to reduce the symptoms of ODD by helping children develop better problem-solving, flexibility, and emotional regulation skills. CPS has been shown to be an effective alternative to traditional punitive approaches for managing ODD.

• Relevant studies:

• • A study compared Collaborative Problem Solving to a common parenting approach called Parent Management Training (PMT) when treating children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Children from families who learned CPS had significant improvements in many areas of functioning at the end of treatment and four months later. These improvements were equal to, or better than, the improvements for children from families who received training in PMT. Learn more in the study “Effectiveness of Collaborative Problem Solving in Affectively Dysregulated Children with Oppositional-Defiant Disorder: Initial Findings.”
  • A study found that after families completed training in Collaborative Problem Solving, it significantly reduced their child’s ODD, ADHD, and mood symptoms. Learn more in the study “Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder with oppositional defiant disorder in Swedish children–an open study of Collaborative Problem Solving.”

Collaborative Problem Solving^® (CPS) and Mood or Anxiety Disorders

Beyond externalizing behaviors, CPS also helps with internalizing challenges—like mood and anxiety disorders, whether alongside disruptive behavior disorders like ADHD or ODD or on their own. Research shows that CPS helps kids struggling with anxiety or depression develop better emotion regulation skills(link to video) by helping them to identify their own individual triggers and by building problem-solving skills.

• Relevant studies & articles:
  • A Skill Building Approach to Reducing Student's Anxiety and Challenging Behavior
    Anxiety, one of the most common underlying causes of challenging student behavior, typically goes undiscovered and unaddressed through school-based behavior supports. Jessica Minahan and Stuart Ablon combine their expertise as a behavior analyst and a psychologist to outline how best to support students whose anxiety leads to challenging behavior. They describe the role of anxiety in challenging behavior and introduce skill-building approaches that help students develop the skills they need to succeed. These approaches can help teachers analyze skill deficits in students with anxiety, identify strategies to prevent anxiety from escalating and build skills by combining opportunities to practice problem-solving with specific strategies to manage anxiety.

• • A study found that after families completed training in Collaborative Problem Solving, it significantly reduced their child’s ODD, ADHD, and mood symptoms. Learn more in the study “Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder with oppositional defiant disorder in Swedish children–an open study of Collaborative Problem Solving.”

The Bottom Line

If a child (or adult) is dealing with ADHD, ODD, ASD, or a mood or anxiety disorder and is exhibiting challenging behavior, CPS is a highly effective approach that can decrease symptoms and, more importantly, help them build critical skills. It’s not just about stopping undesired behavior—it’s about teaching people how to manage challenges in a way that works for them and those around them.