Date of Graduation

12-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Psychological Science

Advisor/Mentor

Dr. Lauren Quetsch

Committee Member

Dr. Michael McCoy

Second Committee Member

Dr. Bill Levine

Third Committee Member

Kathleen Paul

Abstract

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with Toddlers (PCIT-T) is an early intervention designed to address behavioral and emotional dysregulation in very young children by strengthening caregiver-child relationships and improving parenting strategies. Although previous research has identified sex differences in childhood behavioral and emotional presentations, little research has examined whether boys and girls differ in outcomes following PCIT-T treatment, especially with it being relatively new. The current study explored demographic differences, protective factors, and treatment outcomes among boys and girls receiving PCIT-T in a United States community sample. Participants included toddlers and caregivers receiving services from trained PCIT-T clinicians across the United States. Demographic information, treatment graduation rates, and Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) scores were analyzed. Results indicated that significantly more boys than girls presented for treatment. At pre-treatment, girls demonstrated significantly higher initiative scores than boys, while no significant sex differences were found in attachment/relationship, self-regulation, or behavioral concerns scores. Post-treatment analyses showed that girls continued to demonstrate higher initiative scores; however, boys and girls showed comparable outcomes across all other domains. Graduation rates did not significantly differ by sex. Overall, findings suggest that PCIT-T is similarly effective for boys and girls despite some differences in initial presentation. These results highlight the importance of continued research examining developmental and sex-related differences in early childhood behavioral interventions to better inform prevention and treatment approaches.

Keywords

autism spectrum disorder; PCIT-T; behavior interventions

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