Cited by 353Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional DevelopmentChild Therapy and DevelopmentBehavioral and Psychological Studies

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy: A Meta-analysis

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Thomas, Rae, Abell, Bridget, Webb, Haley J., Avdagic, Elbina, Zimmer-Gembeck, Melanie J.·2017·Pediatrics

Abstract

CONTEXT: Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is effective at reducing children’s externalizing behavior. However, modifications are often made to PCIT, and it is not known whether these impact effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of PCIT on child externalizing behaviors, considering modifications, study design, and bias. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Education Resources Information Center, Sociological Abstracts, and A+ Education. STUDY SELECTION: We selected randomized controlled or quasi-experimental trials. DATA EXTRACTION: We analyzed child externalizing and internalizing behaviors, parent stress, parent-child interactions, PCIT format, and study design and/or characteristics. RESULTS: We included 23 studies (1144 participants). PCIT was superior to control for reducing child externalizing (standardized mean difference [SMD]: −0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]:−1.17 to −0.58). PCIT studies that required skill mastery had significantly greater reductions in externalizing behavior than those that did not (Mastery: SMD: −1.09, 95% CI: −1.44 to −0.73; Nonmastery: SMD: −0.51,95% CI: −0.85 to −0.17, P = .02). Compared with controls, PCIT significantly reduced parent-related stress (mean difference [MD]: −6.98, 95% CI: −11.69 to −2.27) and child-related stress (MD: −9.87, 95% CI: −13.64 to −6.09). Children in PCIT were observed to be more compliant to parent requests (SMD: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.28) compared with controls. PCIT effectiveness did not differ depending on session length, location (academic versus community settings), or child problems (disruptive behaviors only compared with disruptive behavior and other problems). LIMITATIONS: Results for parent-child observations were inconsistently reported, reducing the ability to pool important data. CONCLUSIONS: PCIT has robust positive outcomes across multiple parent-reported and observed parent-child interaction measures, and modifications may not be required even when implemented in diverse populations.

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Crossref · 10.1542/peds.2017-0352

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Authors
Thomas, R., Abell, B., Webb, H. J., Avdagic, E., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J.
Affiliations
  • Bond University (AU)
  • Griffith University (AU)
  • School of Applied Psychology and Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
Corresponding author
Thomas, Rae
Venue
Pediatrics
Published
2017-09-01
Volume
140
Issue
3
ISSN
  • 0031-4005 (ISSN-L)
  • 1098-4275
OpenAlex
W2751703636
Cited by
353
References
47
Citations by year
2026: 28 · 2025: 45 · 2024: 35 · 2023: 55 · 2022: 69 · 2021: 43 · 2020: 38 · 2019: 23 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 1
FWCI
3.22
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
other-oa
Locations
  • PEDIATRICS (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Bond University Research Portal (Bond University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Griffith Research Online (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Therapy and Development
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Behavioral and Psychological Studies
Keywords
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, child externalizing problems, internalizing problems, parent stress, parent-child interaction, skill mastery, child compliance, disruptive behavior, treatment effectiveness
MeSH terms
Behavior Therapy, Child, Child Behavior Disorders, Humans, Parent-Child Relations, Stress, Psychological, Parenting

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