The Effectiveness of Group Parentâ[euro]"Child Interaction Therapy with Community Families

• Published in: Journal of child and family studies 2013-05, Vol.22 (4), p.490
• Main Authors: Nieter, Lorraine, Thornberry, Timothy, Brestan-knight, Elizabeth
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavior; Behavior Problems; Child Advocacy; Families & family life; Group therapy; Parent Child Relationship; Play Therapy
• ISSN: 1062-1024; 1573-2843
• DOI: 10.1007/s10826-012-9601-5

Parentâ[euro]"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 8Â 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.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]