Home-Based Preventive Parenting Intervention for at-Risk Infants and Their Families: An Open Trial

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Behavioral Therapy

Background:

• Externalizing behavior problems in infants can have long-term negative consequences.
• Early intervention is crucial for at-risk infants and their families.
• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based intervention, but accessibility can be a barrier.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a home-based adaptation of PCIT.
• To examine the initial outcomes of this intervention for infants with externalizing behaviors.
• To determine if a home-based approach can improve early access to intervention for at-risk families.

Main Methods:

• A home-based adaptation of PCIT was implemented with seven 12- to 15-month-old infants and their families.
• Participants were recruited from a pediatric primary care clinic.
• Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and 4- to 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• 86% of families completed the intervention, reporting high satisfaction.
• Mothers showed significant improvements in parent-child interactions.
• Most mothers reported clinically significant changes in infant behavior problems.

Conclusions:

• The home-based PCIT adaptation is a feasible and acceptable intervention for at-risk infants.
• This approach shows promise for early intervention and improved access to care.
• Further research is needed to explore long-term outcomes and implementation strategies.