Change Trajectories for Parent-Child Interaction Sequences During Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Child Physical Abuse

• NCJ Number: 228116
• Journal: Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 33 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2009 Pages: 461-470
• Author(s): Melissa Hakman; Mark Chaffin; Beverly Funderburk; Jane F. Silovsky
• Date Published: July 2009
• Length: 10 pages
• Grant Number(s): 90CA1671; 90CA1633
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined how sequentially coded parent-child interactions changed across the course of a treatment designed to impact interaction patterns.

Abstract

Results offer support for the applicability of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) to physically abusive parents. Parents appear able to make key changes rapidly in PCIT and on a predictable schedule. These changes are maintained across the course of treatment. Also, it is important to note that these finding were obtained with actual child welfare cases, suggesting that the benefits of the intervention model could be generalized to real-world cases. Findings suggest that use of immediate parent feedback through coaching, explicit directions to parents in how to respond to child behavior, and customization of the application of skills to the problems that arise in session are important components to effective parenting programs with physically abusive parents. Targeting these behaviors with PCIT has been found to reduce rates of recidivism, further supporting clinical application of PCIT. Data were collected in session-by-session parent-child interaction sequences, using the Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System-II (DPICS-II); categories were coded for 22 child welfare involved parent-child dyads undergoing PCIT for child physical abuse. Tables, figures, and references