Parent-child interaction therapy: New directions in research

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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a short-term, evidence-based parent training program for families with 2- to 6-year-old children experiencing behavioral, emotional, or family problems. Based on both attachment theory and social learning theory, PCIT research has provided evidence of efficacy, generalization, and maintenance. The new directions in PCIT research are highlighted in this article.

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  • Cited by (114)

    • Brief, group-based parent-child interaction therapy: Examination of treatment attrition, non-adherence, and non-response

      2019, Children and Youth Services Review
      Citation Excerpt :

      In another study, family-level factors such as single parent household predicted unremitting externalizing behavior problems for young children completing a course of parent management training with their caregiver (Drugli, Larsson, Fossum, & Mørch, 2010). PCIT researchers have called for investigations into PCIT treatment non-response as early as 2002 to identify families at-risk for this outcome (Herschell, Calzada, Eyberg, & McNeil, 2002). Still, there remains a dearth of research on PCIT treatment non-response and the factors associated with it.

    • Risk factors for attrition from an evidence-based parenting program: Findings from the Netherlands

      2016, Children and Youth Services Review
      Citation Excerpt :

      In our study, however, all three families with a seven-year old child did not complete the treatment protocol. The standard PCIT protocol was developed and validated with children aged 2 years to 6 years 11 months (e.g., Eyberg & Funderburk, 2011; Herschell, Calzada, Eyberg, & McNeil, 2002). However, PCIT therapists are encouraged to use their clinical judgment if a seven-year-old child could benefit from PCIT in its standard form (McNeil & Hembree-Kigin, 2010).

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