Feasibility and Effectiveness of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with Victims of Domestic Violence: A Pilot Study

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is an evidence-based treatment for young children (aged 2.5-7 years) with externalizing behavior problems. Since its development, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy has been applied to a wide array of childhood problems and has a significant evidence base for families with histories of child physical abuse. The current study extended the existing literature by testing the effectiveness and feasibility of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy in an urban domestic violence shelter with community-based clinicians delivering the treatment. Seven clinicians implemented Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with parent-child dyads, which included 21 preschool (M = 4.57 years; SD = 1.50) children. Families completed assessments at baseline, mid-treatment, and post-treatment. Nine families completed Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (43 %). Completion of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy was associated with improved child behavior, parenting practices, and mental health symptoms. Considerations for treatment delivery and future directions are discussed.