Enhancing attachment-based aspects of PCIT for young children with a history of maltreatment

Kristine Belanger; Hannah Gennis; Nicole Ottenbreit; Nicole Racine

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1229109

Enhancing attachment-based aspects of PCIT for young children with a history of maltreatment

Front Psychol. 2023 Nov 3:14:1229109. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1229109. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Kristine Belanger^{1

2}, Hannah Gennis³, Nicole Ottenbreit^{1

2}, Nicole Racine^{4

5}

Affiliations

¹ Child Abuse Service, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada.
² Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada.
³ Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
⁴ School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
⁵ Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.

Abstract

Disruptive behavior difficulties, such as aggression, non-compliance, and emotional outbursts, are common among children exposed to maltreatment. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an effective parenting intervention for addressing child behavior difficulties, however, treatment retention and engagement among parents remain a concern in the clinical setting. This paper describes how the delivery of an intervention that teaches attachment theory concepts (Circle of Security-Parenting, COS-P) prior to PCIT can increase engagement and retention among parents of maltreated children and inform new coaching practices. A detailed description of how to extend and integrate COS-P concepts with PCIT for maltreated families using specific strategies is provided. Recommendations, limitations, and next steps for research are presented.

Keywords: behavior difficulties; child maltreatment; circle of security parenting; parent child interaction therapy; parenting.

Grants and funding

NR holds the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute Chair in Child and Youth Mental Health.