Date of Award

8-2015

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Galen Alessi

Second Advisor

Dr. Amy Damashek

Third Advisor

Dr. Scott Gaynor

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Jeannette Lia Gaggino

Keywords

Primary care, parenting, PCIT, Parent-ChildInteraction Therapy, integrated care, pediatricprimary care

Abstract

Pediatric primary care providers encounter a substantial number of behavioral health concerns during routine visits. These providers are in a unique position to screen for and identify psychosocial difficulties, offer anticipatory guidance, and provide brief mental health interventions to families. Unfortunately, many pediatricians face barriers in screening for behavioral problems and providing appropriate interventions, particularly regarding externalizing behavior problems. Providing integrated behavioral health services in the primary care setting can reduce barriers to treatment, the stigma associated with mental health settings, and the cost of services (Berkout & Gross, 2013). There is increasing interest in adapting parent training programs for primary care settings, and some empirical evidence suggests that modified parent training protocols may be effective in reducing externalizing behaviors (e.g., Turner & Sanders, 2006). Specifically, Berkovits and colleagues (2010) evaluated an abbreviated version of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) developed for use in primary care with promising findings. The purpose of the present study was two-fold. First, this study evaluated the effectiveness of Primary Care PCIT in reducing disruptive behavior, increasing appropriate parenting strategies, improving parents’ perceptions of their own parental control, and enhancing the parent-child relationship. Secondly, this study examined the influence of treatment sequence on rate of treatment success and treatment satisfaction. Finally, the present study also evaluated the maintenance of treatment gains one month following treatment.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Campus Only

Restricted to Campus until

8-15-2025

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