Home-Based Parent-Child Therapy in Low-Income African American, Caucasian, and Latino Families: A Comparative Examination of Treatment Outcomes

Abstract

This study examined parent and child treatment outcomes for a home-based Parent-Child Therapy (PCT) program for 66 children from families living in poverty. African American, Caucasian, and Latino families were examined to determine if an evidence-based program would produce similar results across different ethnic groups. The results showed that caregivers across the three ethnic groups reported improved child challenging behavior, increased positive parent-child interactions, improved parental expectations, higher levels of nurturing, and less reliance on verbal and corporal punishment as a form of discipline. Practical implications for these results are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• african american
• behavior problems
• caucasian
• home-based
• latino
• parent-child therapy
• poverty
• young children

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors acknowledge the support of Penfield Children's Center, the Birth-to-Three Agency that served as the site for this study, and the family clinicians and graduate students who provided mental health services for the children and their families.

Notes

Note. ^a n = 22. ^b n = 22. ^c n = 22. Public assistance = family reported receiving government aid in form of insurance, food stamps, or other support. In order to receive government aid, total family income must fall below the federal poverty level.

Note. ECBS = Early Childhood Behavior Screen; PBC = Parent Behavior Checklist.