Dynamic physiology-behavior association patterns in child welfare parents predict response to parenting intervention

This study examined the role of physiology-behavior regulatory functioning in explaining "what works for whom" in parenting intervention. Dynamic associations between parents' physiological reactivity and positive parenting behavior during caregiving interactions were tested as predictors of related intervention response to parent-child interaction therapy. Pre- to postintervention changes in the dynamic associations were also examined.

Physiological reactivity assessed through interbeat interval and observationally coded parenting behaviors were measured second-by-second during two types of parent-child interaction at pre- and postintervention for 120 child welfare-involved parents (Mage = 32.45, 87.5% mothers) randomized to a parent-child interaction therapy intervention. Response to intervention was examined as (a) treatment engagement (i.e., no early dropout), (b) in-session parenting skills proficiency (meeting the threshold for positive skills without exceeding the threshold for negative parenting behaviors), and (c) postintervention positive parenting skills.

Parents who demonstrated dynamic physiology-behavior coupling patterns that restrain positive parenting behaviors during child-led free play were less likely to achieve early parenting skills proficiency and more likely to drop out subsequently from the second phase of parent-child interaction therapy. They also showed fewer positive parenting skills postintervention. No pre- to postchanges were observed in parents' dynamic physiology-behavior associations.

Dynamic physiology-behavior associations manifested in child-led free play predicted disadvantages in parents' early acquisition of skills and persistent engagement in parenting intervention, highlighting the value of physiology in illuminating individual differences in response to intervention. This approach also highlights potential mechanisms underlying treatment nonresponse among child welfare-involved parents, which can aid in the development of tailored intervention strategies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).