This study examined the long-term maintenance of change following parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) for young children with oppositional defiant disorder and associated behavior problems. Three to six years after treatment, 29 of 50 treatment completers were located for this study. The mothers of 23 children, ages 6 to 12, participated in the telephone and mail follow-up assessments. Results indicated that the significant changes in child behavior made during treatment were maintained, as was the mothers’ parenting locus of control. Child behavior at the posttreatment assessment and length of time since treatment were strong predictors of child behavior at long-term follow-up. Conduct problems decreased with time since treatment. The results of this study support the long-term effectiveness of PCIT.

Child Study Lab
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology
University of Florida
P.O. Box 100165
Gainesville, FL 32610
Phone (352) 265-0680 x 46878
E-mail: seyberg@hp.ufl.edu
© 2001 University of Florida
Last updated: March 07, 2006.