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

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank the agency administrators, clinicians, and parents for their insightful comments and participation in this project as well as Leah Hunter for support in preparing the manuscript.

Funding

The project described was supported by the National Institutes of Health through Grant Numbers UL1TR001857, UL1 RR024153, and UL1TR000005, as well as a National Institute of Mental Health Career Development Award to the first author (K23 MH074716).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. West Virginia University & Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 1234 Life Sciences Building, 53 Campus Drive, PO Box 6040, Morgantown, WV, 26506-6040, USA

    Amy D. Herschell

  2. Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3811 O’Hara Street - 544 Bellefield Towers, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA

    Ashley B. Scudder

  3. Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 3811 O’Hara Street - 512 Bellefield Towers, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA

    Kristen F. Schaffner

  4. Family Resources of Pennsylvania, 1425 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA

    Leslie A. Slagel

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  1. Amy D. Herschell
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  2. Ashley B. Scudder
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  4. Leslie A. Slagel
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Correspondence to Amy D. Herschell.

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Herschell, A.D., Scudder, A.B., Schaffner, K.F. et al. Feasibility and Effectiveness of Parent–Child Interaction Therapy with Victims of Domestic Violence: A Pilot Study. J Child Fam Stud 26, 271–283 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-016-0546-y

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