JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for child disruptive behavior problems, but access barriers historically limit its reach.

Objective:

This study examined Pocket PCIT Online, a self-directed web-based adaptation of PCIT, as a potential scalable public health intervention to increase accessibility.

Methods:

In an open trial, 1,480 caregivers accessed the free Pocket PCIT Online intervention. Measures of child behavior, parenting stress, and family conflict were collected pre- and post-intervention. Effectiveness, engagement, retention, and implementation were assessed through an implementation science framework.

Results:

Significant improvements were observed across all outcome measures for intervention completers (n= 204). Caregivers reported increased positive child behaviors (d= 0.87) and decreased parenting distress (d= -0.30). Of note, approximately 36% of caregivers reported clinically significant improvements in their children’s frequency of disruptive behaviors. However, only 16.5% of participants completed post-intervention measures. No significant sociodemographic predictors of engagement or retention were identified.

Conclusions:

While Pocket PCIT Online demonstrates potential as a low-cost, accessible and saleable public health intervention for child disruptive behaviors, strategies to enhance retention and reach historically underserved populations are needed. Strategies for improving engagement and retention are discussed.