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The Effectiveness of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for Disruptive Behavior Disorders in Children: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) has emerged as a leading intervention for disruptive behavior disorders in children, aiming to improve parent-child interactions and reduce problem behaviors through structured coaching and behavioral techniques. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of PCIT in reducing disruptive behavior symptoms and improving parent-child relationships in children with disruptive behavior disorders. Through an extensive literature review, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from RCTs assessing the effectiveness of PCIT compared to control conditions (e.g., waitlist, treatment as usual, parent education) in targeting disruptive behavior symptoms, including aggression, defiance, and conduct problems. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as treatment duration, therapist involvement, treatment fidelity, and child characteristics (e.g., age, severity of symptoms), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of PCIT for disruptive behavior disorders in children.
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References
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