Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): Child Well-Being Through an Effective Parenting Intervention

Abstract

Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is a family-centered therapeutic approach designed for families with children who are experiencing a broad range of behavioural, emotional and family problems. Proposed by Eyberg et al in 1995 emphasizes on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship and changing parent-child interaction patterns. The goals of PCIT are to improve the quality of the parent-child relationship and, both child and family functioning; decrease the child behavior problems with an increase in prosocial behaviors; improve parenting skills, including positive discipline and reduce parenting stress. The characteristic feature of this approach is the use of live coaching and the treatment of both parent and child together. PCIT has rich theoretical background and it consists of two components: child directed interaction and parent directed interaction. Though it has certain contraindications and limitations like very young children, parental psychological problems or lack of contact with the child, and abusive parents, it is beneficial to manage several behaviour and relationship problems of children and parents. Application of PCIT are also detailed in the article.