Development of enhanced parent training over the Internet to reduce severe behavioral problems in young children

Research idea and purposeSevere behavioral problems in young children pose a high risk of impairment during childhood as well as later in life.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is highly effective for children aged 2-7 with severe behavioral problems, likely due to the real-time coaching parents receive from a therapist. However, international studies have identified several implementation challenges. The treatment’s length and the numerous in-clinic sessions have been cited as barriers.

Our goal is to develop and evaluate a shortened, internet-based version of PCIT (iPCIT) that we believe will better meet the needs of both the target group and healthcare providers, thereby facilitating its implementation in Sweden.

This planning grant is requested to fund a feasibility study and foster collaboration with healthcare providers and patient associations.

A future step, beyond this application, includes an effectiveness evaluation of iPCIT in a larger randomized controlled trial.Work plan, methods and project realizationFor the feasibility study, a reference group of stakeholders from health care, social services and service users will be formed to support future implementation.

The study will involve 20 families participating in a 10-week iPCIT program, consisting of 10 modules with texts, videos, and exercises to enhance parent-child interaction. These modules will be supplemented by five video sessions where parents receive guidance from a psychologist. Data will be collected before, during, and after the treatment, as well as at 2- and 6-month follow-ups.

Feasibility will be assessed based on treatment adherence, perceived credibility, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes. Participants will also be interviewed about their treatment experience.

The planning grant will primarily cover personnel costs for a project coordinator, advertising, treatment design, and platform fees.Societal relevance and utilisationUntreated behavioral problems at an early age not only increase vulnerability to individual negative consequences, but also increase the risk of wider societal challenges, such as substance abuse, violence and delinquency.

If iPCIT is effective, it is an easily scalable treatment that can improve the well-being and functioning of young children with behavioral problems and, in the long term, reduce the risk of a negative life trajectory.