A Comparison of Child Abuse Potential Inventory and Parenting Stress Index with Families in the Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and Treatment as Usual Groups

Abstract This study compared Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) in a group format to a Treatment as Usual (TAU) group format within a community setting. PCIT is typically conducted individually with caregiver and child in a clinical setting. Results showed decreases on the Parenting Stress Index (PSI-SF), for both treatment groups over time with the PCIT group reporting less parental stress than the TAU group. However, there was no difference between groups over time on the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI). This study provides preliminary evidence for the efficacy of delivering PCIT in a community setting. The implication for child welfare clinicians is that an evidence-based program such as PCIT, can serve more caregivers and children and decrease parents’ stress.