Circle of Security-Parenting and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy-Toddler: A Qualitative Exploration of Parents'...

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy-Toddler (PCIT-T) and Circle of Security-Parenting (COS-P) are two attachment-based early parenting programs with emerging evidence bases. Most of the research has, however, been quantitative in nature. Understanding caregiver perspectives and acceptability of the programs is therefore needed. This study aimed to address this gap in research by examining perspectives of parents who participated in PCIT-T or COS-P at an Australian community-based child behavior clinic for treatment of toddler behavior problems. Twenty-nine mothers were purposively recruited to participate in a semi-structured post-program interview (COS-P: n = 10; PCIT-T: n = 19). Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Results of thematic analysis showed that parents in both groups experienced a range of positive gains (for the toddler, themselves as a parent, and for relationships). Participants in both groups identified the clinician as a key facilitator of positive program outcomes, and time commitment as a barrier. For the COS-P group, the group process and treatment journey were identified as facilitators, and inconsistent attendance from group attendees was a barrier. The PCIT-T group viewed the live coaching and the manualized protocol as facilitators. Results suggest that both COS-P and PCIT-T are viewed positively by parents and identify several parent-identified facilitators/barriers.