Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with Domestic Violence Populations

• NCJ Number: 223757
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 23 Issue: 6 Dated: August 2008 Pages: 495-505
• Author(s): Joaquin Borrego Jr.; Mindy R. Gutow; Shira Reicher; Chikira H. Barker
• Date Published: August 2008
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article describes parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) and explains why it is a promising intervention with battered women and their children.

Abstract

PCIT is an evidence-based, parent-focused, behavioral intervention for disruptive behavior problems in young children between the ages of 2 to 7 years. The parent and child are in treatment together, with the goal of treatment being to change parent-child interaction by teaching the parent skills that will improve the parent-child relationship. This is achieved by having the parent be attentive when the child is behaving appropriately and decreasing attention when the child misbehaves in the context of play. Parents are also taught to decrease disruptive child behaviors through consistent discipline while in the context of developmentally appropriate play situations. PCIT is conducted in weekly 1-hour sessions. The average number of coaching sessions is 13. Through live coaching and hands-on exercises, parents are taught the PRIDE skills: “Praising” the child, “Reflecting” the child’s verbal expressions, “Imitating” the child’s play, “describing” what the child is doing during play, and using “Enthusiasm” while interacting. This article proposes that PCIT would be a suitable and beneficial psychotherapeutic intervention for mothers who have been victims of domestic violence, so as to ensure that the mother’s parenting effectiveness is not undermined by the effects of her victimization. Depending on the specific mother-child situation, PCIT coaches have the flexibility of focusing on specific skill-building exercises during each session. Battered women may have low confidence in their parenting capability and may also have low self-esteem. By being a mediator of social reinforcement, the therapist can provide encouragement and reinforce appropriate maternal interactions with her child. 2 tables and 83 references