Black Clinicians’ Perceptions of the Cultural Relevance of Parent–Child Interaction Therapy for Black Families

Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is a highly efficacious, evidence-based treatment for children with disruptive behaviors and their families. PCIT is a dyadic therapy designed to improve parent-child relationships and decrease children's behavioral problems. PCIT research specific to Black families is currently sparse. Given findings that Black families have a higher attrition rate and demonstrate fewer significant improvements in parental well-being outcomes, we sought to assess clinicians' perceived cultural alignment of PCIT with Black families. We conducted individual interviews via Zoom with 10 Black clinicians, trained in PCIT, who had experience treating Black families using PCIT. The research team generated the following themes using thematic analysis: cultural misalignment, manualization, barriers to treatment, generational patterns of discipline, racial considerations, and protocol changes. Findings indicate that Black clinicians have identified various points of cultural misalignment in providing PCIT with Black families, for which they have modified treatment or suggested changes to improve cultural sensitivity. Collating suggested clinician modifications to inform a cultural adaptation of PCIT for Black families may contribute to a reduction in the attrition rate and improvement in outcomes for Black families participating in PCIT.