Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Service

(Download of Research Report) PCIT Research - 2007

Year of Research:
October 2007

Research Title:
The outcome and process evaluation of the Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) in treating families with children with behaviour problems in Hong Kong

Principal Investigators:
Dr. Sandra Tsang and Prof. Cynthia Leung

Summary:
The data on outcome evaluation was collected from 48 intervention group and 62 comparison group parent participants. The mean age of the target children was 5.28 years. Participants had to complete questionnaires on child behaviour problems (Eyberg Child Behaviour Inventory) and parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index) before and after intervention. The quantitative data was analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with pre-intervention scores as covariates. The results indicated that, after intervention, the intervention group participants reported lower child behaviour problem and parenting stress scores than the comparison group participants. The effect sizes ranged from 0.97 to 1.59. The intervention group participants were able to maintain the changes in child behaviour and parenting stress 3 to 6 months after completion of intervention. There were also significant decreases in inappropriate child management strategies and significant increases in positive parenting practices. Examination of the process issues suggested some factors conducive to the initial success including the intense and professional therapist support with one-to-one coaching on-the-spot, regular homework, trainer-trainee relationship, the client-centred, empowerment and educational approach in programme delivery, the play element, the emphasis on a positive focus in programme content, and the programme goal with its emphasis on the re-structuring of the parent-child relationship. Overall, the results suggested that PCIT was effective in reducing child behaviour problems, parenting stress, inappropriate child management strategies and increasing positive parenting practices among Chinese parents with young children in Hong Kong.