Therapeutic Outcomes of Racially Matched Families and Clinicians in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with Toddlers

Authors

Emily B. Frey, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow
Julia L. Kiefer, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow
Lauren B. Quetsch, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow
Rebecca S. Bradley, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow
Emma I. Girard, UC Riverside School of MedicineFollow

Mentor

Lauren B. Quetsch

Keywords

attrition, preventive therapy, racial matching, toddlers

Abstract

Abstract

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based therapy for children aged 2.5-7 with disruptive behavioral problems. In recent years, the PCIT protocol has been adapted for use as a preventative model with toddlers (PCIT-T) aged 12-24 months. Given the recency of the PCIT-T adaptation, research has not yet examined the similarity of PCIT-T attrition rates compared to PCIT, though it is speculated rates are similar (between 30-69%; Ufford et al., 2022). Previous research suggests that racial dissimilarity between a treatment provider and the family may influence treatment dropout. Therefore, the current study explored the effect of racial matching between families and providers on PCIT-T treatment outcomes (i.e., rate of attrition, sessions completed, child developmental outcomes). Participants included 173 clinicians trained in PCIT-T who delivered twice weekly sessions of PCIT-T to 216 caregiver-child dyads across the United States. Caregivers completed the Devereaux Early Childhood Assessment to assess emotional, social, and behavioral concerns at three time points. Caregiver-child dyads received PCIT-T from one provider of either the same or a different race of the caregiver. Results concluded that the attrition in the current study was consistent with other PCIT research (64%-69%). Further, regardless of racial matching, attrition and outcomes were similar across groups. PCIT-T treatment was equally effective regardless of the racial identity of the provider delivering the intervention. This suggests that clinicians had a strong therapeutic alliance with participants, and caregivers in PCIT-T faced similar issues to standard PCIT, contributing to high attrition rates.

Keywords: attrition, preventive therapy, racial matching, toddlers

Recommended Citation

Frey, Emily B.; Kiefer, Julia L.; Quetsch, Lauren B.; Bradley, Rebecca S.; and Girard, Emma I. (2025) "Therapeutic Outcomes of Racially Matched Families and Clinicians in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with Toddlers," Inquiry: The University of Arkansas Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 24: Iss. 1, Article 6.
https://doi.org/10.54119/inquiry.2025.24103
Available at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/inquiry/vol24/iss1/6