Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Disruptive Behavior: A Systematic Review of Effectiveness in Different Settings

Background: Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based intervention for children with behavioral problems. This systematic review assesses the efficacy of PCIT in reducing disruptive behavior problems (DBPs) by analyzing outcomes across diverse populations and settings. Methods: Studies were identified through an online search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases, with a search period ranging from 2014 to 2024. This review was registered on Open OSF (n) TVFQ5. Results: Research studies demonstrate that PCIT is effective across a variety of DBP conditions, showing significant reductions in child behavioral problems and parenting stress. PCIT's adaptability, effectiveness, and potential for widespread use have been validated in both specialized and community settings, including diverse and high-risk populations. Conclusions: This systematic review highlights PCIT's overall effectiveness in reducing disruptive behaviors and improving parent-child relationships across diverse settings and populations. It emphasizes the need for further research into its long-term efficacy, adaptability in multicultural contexts, and potential integration with technology for enhanced dissemination and effectiveness.