The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46016

Alissa Porter, MS, CHES, Anthony Urquiza, PhD, Jean McGrath, PhD, and Nancy Zebell, PhD. CAARE Center, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis Medical Center, 3300 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95820, 916-734-6610, alissa.porter@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu

Child abuse and neglect is a large public health problem in the United States. Tremendous resources are spent on interventions including therapy for the perpetrator and victim, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, legal resources, and parenting classes; yet there is minimal focus on prevention. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an intensive parent treatment program, initially developed to assist parents whose children have severe behavioral problems (e.g., aggression, non-compliance, temper tantrums). Because many of the behavioral and interpersonal characteristics of children with behavioral problems and physically abused children are similar, PCIT was adapted as an intervention and prevention program for high-risk families. PCIT has been empirically supported as an effective treatment program in over 30 controlled studies. The PCIT program consists of a Relationship Enhancement component and a Discipline component. Within the Relationship Enhancement component, parents are taught and 'coached' how to decrease negative aspects of the relationship with their child and to develop consistently positive communication with their child. In the Discipline component, parents are taught and 'coached' the elements of effective discipline and child management skills. In both components of this program, parents are taught specific skills, given the opportunity to practice these skills during therapy, then continue practicing skills until mastery is acquired and the child's behavior has improved. Traditionally PCIT has been delivered as a University clinic-based service but is being adapted for community mental health agencies, in-home delivery, and school-based services.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Recognize the development and maintenance of interpersonal dynamics which occur within abusive family systems.
• Describe the unique ways in which PCIT is suited to alter high-risk parent-child relationships.
• Identify 5 outcome research findings from studies with PCIT.
• Recognize the two components and purposes of PCIT
• List the five basic PRIDE skills of PCIT.

Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.