Group parent–child interaction therapy: A randomized control trial for the treatment of conduct problems in young children.

Abstract

Objective Although efficacious interventions exist for childhood conduct problems, a majority of families in need of services do not receive them. To address problems of treatment access and adherence, innovative adaptations of current interventions are needed. This randomized control trial investigated the relative efficacy of a novel format of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), a treatment for young children with conduct problems. Methods Eighty-one families with three- to six-year-old children (71.6% male; 85.2% Caucasian) with diagnoses of oppositional defiant or conduct disorder were randomized to individual PCIT (n = 42) or the novel format, group PCIT. Parents completed standardized measures of children’s conduct problems, parenting stress, and social support at intake, posttreatment, and six-month follow-up. Therapist ratings, parent attendance, and homework completion provided measures of treatment adherence. Throughout treatment, parenting skills were assessed using the Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System. Results Parents in both group and individual PCIT reported significant improvements from intake to posttreatment and follow-up in their children’s conduct problems and adaptive functioning, as well as significant decreases in parenting stress. Parents in both treatment conditions also showed significant improvements in their parenting skills. There were no interactions between time and treatment format. Contrary to expectation, parents in group PCIT did not experience greater social support or treatment adherence. Conclusions Group PCIT was not inferior to individual PCIT and may be a valuable format to reach more families in need of services. Future work should explore the efficiency and sustainability of group PCIT in community settings.

Working together to solve disparities: Latina/o parents’ contributions to the adaptation of a preventive intervention for childhood conduct problems.

“…Many parents also expressed preference for a prevention program delivered in a group format, which is consistent with some adaptation research on parenting interventions for Latina/o families (Parra-Cardona et al, 2009). Group formats of PCIT have demonstrated efficacy with clinical, non-Latina/o families (Niec, et al, 2013); thus, this format may offer a feasible adaptation. An interesting potential addition to the PCIT prevention model that was recommended by families in this study is the use of informational, pre-program group meetings designed to raise interest and provide families with the opportunity to engage with group leaders and potential participants before the program begins.…”

Reciprocity Between Parental Psychopathology and Oppositional Symptoms From Preschool to Middle Childhood

“…Authors such as Abrahamse et al. () and Niec, Barnett, Prewett, and Shanley Chatham () have argued that with PCIT, fathers can make great progress in their relationship with their children and benefit from treatment as much as mothers. Helping parents to interact with their children and build parenting skills benefits both children and the parents’ own mental health (Barth, ).…”

“…This therapy works with parent-child interactions through play, allowing for a more caring relationship between them and for parents to learn discipline strategies (Ferro, Vives, & Ascanio, 2010). Authors such as Abrahamse et al (2012) and Niec, Barnett, Prewett, and Shanley Chatham (2016) have argued that with PCIT, fathers can make great progress in their relationship with their children and benefit from treatment as much as mothers. Helping parents to interact with their children and build parenting skills benefits both children and the parents' own mental health (Barth, 2005).…”

Three variations on the Australian supported playgroup model

“…While it has been questioned how supported playgroups are inclusive when they focus on particular groups, they are a ‘soft entry’ point for families to become better connected to the informal and formal networks in their communities (Commerford & Robinson, ). The social support gathered through these smaller, facilitated groups assists parents in developing knowledge of the local community, gaining confidence in their parenting ability and joining networks with other families, resulting in an increased likelihood that families will feel confident to engage with other services in the future (Moran & Ghate, ).…”