This study aims to compare the efficacy in delivering two evidence-based parenting programs to families and young children experiencing homelessness. Outcomes evaluated include feasibility, treatment completion, treatment satisfaction of delivery of interventions as well as child outcomes (e.g., behavior problems, trauma symptoms) and parenting outcomes (parenting stress and parenting skills).
The number of homeless families in the U.S. has increased since the 1980s to over half a million as of 2018. Most troubling, in 2013 (the most recent year for which census data is available) one in every 30 children in the U.S., or 2.5 million, experienced homelessness. In addition to having disproportionally higher rates of unmet health needs (e.g., acute health problems, trauma-related injuries), children experiencing homelessness have staggering mental health needs such that 78% suffer from at least one mental health issue (e.g., depression, behavior problems) along with academic/developmental delays. Given that over half of all homeless children in the US are under the age of 6, it is particularly important to investigate the effectiveness of evidence-based parenting programs within a homeless population. This study aims to compare the efficacy in delivering two evidence-based parenting programs to families and young children experiencing homelessness.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
144
Parent-child Interaction therapy (PCIT; Eyberg and Robinson, 1982) s a manualized evidence-based behavioral parent training program that integrates social learning and attachment theories. Parents proceed through two distinct phases: Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) resembles traditional play therapy, and Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI) resembles clinical behavior therapy. During all sessions, the therapist coaches each parent in vivo in their use of the CDI and PDI skills with their child.
Child-parent psychotherapy (CPP; Lieberman et al., 2005) is a relationship-based treatment that integrates attachment, cognitive-behavioral, social-learning, and psychodynamic theories. CPP focuses on the child-parent relationship as a way to improve the child's adaptive functioning. Various treatment strategies are employed including a focus on safety, affect regulation, the joint construction of a trauma narrative, and engagement in developmentally appropriate activities.
Lotus House
Miami, Florida, United States
Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI)
Change in overall externalizing behavior problems
Time frame: 16 weeks after start of intervention
Child and Adolescent Trauma Screener (CATS)
Change in overall PTSD symptom severity
Time frame: 16 weeks after start of intervention
Parenting Stress Index Short Form 4th edition (PSI-SF)
Change in overall level of parenting stress
Time frame: 16 weeks after start of intervention
The Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System
Change in positive and negative parenting skills observed during 5 minute child led play session
Time frame: 16 weeks after start of intervention
Therapy Attitude Inventory
Mothers' satisfaction with treatment
Time frame: 16 weeks after start of intervention
Treatment Attendance
Percentage of families who completed the intervention
Time frame: 16 weeks after start of intervention
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