Predictors of treatment attrition and treatment length in Parent‐Child Interaction Therapy in Taiwanese families. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Yi-Chuen; Fortson, Beverly L.
• Is Part Of: Children and youth services review. Volume 59(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Parent–Child Interaction Therapy -- Behavioral parent training -- Disruptive behavior -- Predictor -- Dropout; Social work with children -- Periodicals; Social work with youth -- Periodicals; Adolescent -- Periodicals; Child Welfare -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Service social aux enfants -- Périodiques; Service social à la jeunesse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2015.10.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-7409

Abstract

Abstract: Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) has been used successfully in the United States and in other countries around the world, but its use in Asian countries has been more limited. The present study is the first of its kind to examine the predictors of treatment attrition and length in a sample of Taiwanese caregivers and their children. It is also the first to examine PCIT outcomes in Taiwanese families. Maladaptive personality characteristics of the caregiver were the best predictor of attrition, followed by single-parent, removal of the child from the home, and lower levels of caregiver education. Treatment length was predicted by child minority status and parent–child interactions (i.e., parent commands and negative parent talk). In terms of outcomes, statistically significant treatment changes were noted for all treatment outcome variables at post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up. These findings suggest that PCIT is a promising intervention for this population. The predictors of treatment attrition and length can be used when Taiwanese caregiver–child dyads present for services so that additional assistance can be provided prior to or during treatment to increase adherence to the recommended number of treatment sessions for maximal impact. Future studies may replicate the present study with a larger clinical sample to examine the long-term effects of PCIT and to include a no-treatment control condition to afford a more robust empirical evaluation. Highlights: We examined treatment attrition and length in a sample of Taiwanese families. Caregiver psychopathology was the best predictor of attrition. Child ethnicity and negative parent verbalizations predicted treatment length. Caregiver and child behavior improved after participation in PCIT. The findings suggest that PCIT is a promising intervention for Taiwanese families.