Graduation Year
2015
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Ph.D.
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Degree Granting Department
Educational and Psychological Studies
Major Professor
Kathy-Bradley Klug, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Julia Ogg, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Kathleen Armstrong, Ph.D.
Committee Member
John Ferron, Ph.D.
Keywords
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, parent-child interaction therapy, preschoolers
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of PCIT as an alternative to medication in managing symptoms and behavior problems of preschool-aged children with ADHD. Using a multiple baseline single-case design, the study measured the impact of PCIT on four preschool-aged children's problem behaviors and ADHD symptoms, parenting practices, and mothers' attitudes towards therapy. Outcome measures included the Child Behavior Checklist, Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory, Behavior Assessment System for Children, ADHD Symptom Observation form, Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System, Parenting Practices Interview, and Therapy Attitude Inventory. Results from visual analyses, a visual permutation test, and hierarchical linear modeling showed partial treatment effects for mothers' use of labeled praises (b = 10.67, p < 0.0001), commands (b = -26.84, p = 0.000), behavior management skills (b = 91.21, p < 0.0001), children's behavior problems (b = -20.29, p = 0.000), and parent-reported ADHD symptoms (b = -25.76, p = 0.000). Mothers expressed high satisfaction with PCIT and reported their relationships with their children and their children's compliance and behavior problems had improved post-intervention. The consistency with which other caretaking partners (e.g., fathers) practiced the same discipline procedures as the mothers in the study played a significant role in the changes observed in mothers' use of effective discipline practices and children's behavior problems. Findings of this study indicate PCIT may partially be an effective intervention in improving children's behavior problems and ADHD symptoms.
Scholar Commons Citation
Jeffries DeLoatche, Kendall, "Parent-Child Interaction Therapy as a Treatment for ADHD in Early Childhood: A Multiple Baseline Single-Case Design" (2015). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/5512
