Abstract
Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a behavioral, parent-training program that incorporates both operant learning and
play therapy techniques to treat child disruptive behavior problems. The present pilot study examined the use of a group PCIT
protocol with a mixed clinical sample of primarily low-socioeconomic status community families. Forty families with a child
between the ages of 2 and 8 years old were either self-referred to the group or referred by child protective services, and
27 began treatment. Following a standard group PCIT protocol, 17 families completed treatment. Caregivers who completed the
PCIT group reported a significant decrease in child disruptive behavior and parenting stress following completion of the 12-week
group. Behavior observations of the treatment completers revealed a significant increase in parent prosocial behavior and
a decrease in inappropriate parent behavior from pre- to post-treatment. As there have been no demonstrations, to date, of
group PCIT in a community-based setting, this study presents evidence that PCIT is a promising treatment format for dissemination
research and practice. The benefits and challenges of using a group PCIT format for delivery of clinical services are discussed.
play therapy techniques to treat child disruptive behavior problems. The present pilot study examined the use of a group PCIT
protocol with a mixed clinical sample of primarily low-socioeconomic status community families. Forty families with a child
between the ages of 2 and 8 years old were either self-referred to the group or referred by child protective services, and
27 began treatment. Following a standard group PCIT protocol, 17 families completed treatment. Caregivers who completed the
PCIT group reported a significant decrease in child disruptive behavior and parenting stress following completion of the 12-week
group. Behavior observations of the treatment completers revealed a significant increase in parent prosocial behavior and
a decrease in inappropriate parent behavior from pre- to post-treatment. As there have been no demonstrations, to date, of
group PCIT in a community-based setting, this study presents evidence that PCIT is a promising treatment format for dissemination
research and practice. The benefits and challenges of using a group PCIT format for delivery of clinical services are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Research
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10826-012-9601-5
- Authors
- Lorraine Nieter, Aurora Mental Health Center, Aurora, CO, USA
- Timothy Thornberry Jr., Department of Psychology, Auburn University, 226 Thach Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Elizabeth Brestan-Knight, Department of Psychology, Auburn University, 226 Thach Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Journal Journal of Child and Family Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-2843
- Print ISSN 1062-1024