Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is designed for which population?

Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is designed for which population?

• A. Adolescents with depression
• B. Toddlers with language delay
• C. Preschool children with conduct disorder or ODD
• D. Adults with anxiety

Answer: (C)

PCIT is an evidence-based parent-training approach designed to help families with young children who have disruptive behavior problems. It trains parents to manage and improve their child’s behavior through live coaching during real-time interactions, with a focus on strengthening the parent–child relationship and teaching consistent discipline strategies. The program is tailored for preschool-aged children, typically in the 2–7 year range, who show conduct problems or oppositional defiant behaviors. It uses two phases—child-directed interaction to build positive engagement, and parent-directed interaction to establish clear limits and compliance—which makes it especially well-suited for preschoolers with conduct disorder or ODD. The other options describe populations not targeted by PCIT (adolescents with depression, toddlers with language delay, or adults with anxiety), so they don’t fit the intended use of this therapy.

PCIT is an evidence-based parent-training approach designed to help families with young children who have disruptive behavior problems. It trains parents to manage and improve their child’s behavior through live coaching during real-time interactions, with a focus on strengthening the parent–child relationship and teaching consistent discipline strategies. The program is tailored for preschool-aged children, typically in the 2–7 year range, who show conduct problems or oppositional defiant behaviors. It uses two phases—child-directed interaction to build positive engagement, and parent-directed interaction to establish clear limits and compliance—which makes it especially well-suited for preschoolers with conduct disorder or ODD. The other options describe populations not targeted by PCIT (adolescents with depression, toddlers with language delay, or adults with anxiety), so they don’t fit the intended use of this therapy.