Effectiveness of Parent–Child Interaction Therapy Delivered to At-Risk Families in the Home Setting

Abstract

An evaluation was conducted for 83 parent–child dyads who participated in parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) delivered in-home by community agency therapists. Data included self-report measures and therapist observations at baseline and posttreatment. Results indicated significant positive changes in child/parent behavior and parent attitudes for dyad completers. Overall, parents who completed in-home PCIT reported significantly more positive child outcomes than noncompleters and had a significantly lower risk of child abuse. Implications for implementing PCIT into community practice are discussed, including reducing barriers, in-home modifications, and model fidelity in practice with high-risk communities.

KEYWORDS:

• child abuse
• efficacy
• in-home
• parent–child interaction therapy
• parenting
• prevention

Notes

Note. *Significant at p < 0.05, **Significant at p < 0.01.

Note. ECBI = Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory; Percent child compliance = total number of times complying divided by total number of commands.