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Therapists' Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based Practices and Implementation of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

NCJ Number
239266
Journal
Child Maltreatment Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2012 Pages: 47-55
Author(s)
Melanie McDiarmid Nelson; Jenelle R. Shanley; Beverly W. Funderburk; Elizabeth Bard
Date Published
February 2012
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study examined evidence-based parent training programs.
Abstract
Child abuse and neglect affects many families each year, but evidence-based parent training programs can be instrumental in reducing maltreatment. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, a parent training program developed for treatment of disruptive child behavior, has demonstrated effectiveness with families at risk of or exposed to child maltreatment. However, methods for disseminating this evidence-based intervention in community settings are not well understood. This study examined the association between community-based therapists' attitudes toward evidence-based practices (EBPs) and their participation in an implementation research project in which they received two forms of consultation. Results showed that therapists' self-reported unwillingness to diverge from EBPs was positively associated with their use of phone consultation and satisfaction with consultation. The degree to which therapists found EBPs appealing was positively associated with satisfaction as well. Open therapist attitudes toward EBPs were associated with greater attendance for online consultation. The next step in this line of research is to examine how therapists' attitudes toward EBPs can be improved, if changing attitudes affects therapist acquisition of treatment skills, and if such improvements enhance implementation efforts. (Published Abstract)