Mother-Child Interactions and Childhood OCD: Effects of CBT on Mother and Child Observed Behaviors

Abstract

This waitlist-controlled study investigates the impact of a group-based cognitive-behavioral therapy with family involvement (CBT-F) on observed mother and child behaviors in children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Forty-four children and adolescents with OCD and their mothers were observed during family discussions before and after treatment/waitlist. Participants were rated on behavioral dimensions of criticism, overinvolvement, doubt, avoidance, warmth, confidence, positive problem solving, and rewarding independence. Significant differences between treatment and waitlist condition occurred from pretreatment to posttreatment, with ratings of negative behaviors decreasing and ratings of positive behaviors increasing in the treatment group. Findings suggest that CBT-F has the potential to improve mother and child interactions in families with a child diagnosed with OCD.