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Symposia

Child / Adolescent - Externalizing

Expanding Behavioral Parent Training Models to Include Older Children: Novel Intervention Adaptations for Middle Childhood

4 - (SYM 60) Evaluating Family Interaction Training (FIT): A Common Elements Approach to Caregiver Skill Development

Sunday, November 23, 2025
12:46 PM - 1:00 PM CST
Location: Strand 11A&B, Level 2
Keywords: PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Therapy), Child, Parent Training
Recommended Readings: Ghandour, R. M., Sherman, L. J., Vladutiu, C. J., Ali, M. M., Lynch, S. E., Bitsko, R. H., & Blumberg, S. J. (2019). Prevalence and treatment of depression, anxiety, and conduct problems in US children. The Journal of Pediatrics, 206, 256–270.,   Kaminski, J. W., & Claussen, A. H. (2017). Evidence based update for psychosocial treatments for disruptive behaviors in children. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 46(4), 477-499. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2017.1310044,   McCart, M.R., & Sheidow, A. J. (2016). Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for adolescents with disruptive behavior. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 45(5), 529-563. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2016.1146990,   Lieneman, C., Brabson, L., Highlander, A., Wallace, N., & McNeil, C. (2017). Parent-Child Interaction Therapy: Current perspectives. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 10, 239-256. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S91200,   Briegel W. (2018). Tailoring Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for older children: A case study.Zeitschrift fur Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychotherapie,46(4), 298304. https://doi.org/10.1024/1422-4917/a000536
Abstract Body

Family Interaction Training (FIT) is a common elements approach designed to enhance caregiver behavioral management skills through a structured yet adaptable curriculum. FIT was developed through funding from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (and is now freely available on the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) website) by integrating core components of evidence-based parenting interventions, emphasizing practical strategies that can be implemented across diverse settings (e.g., home visits, outpatient mental health centers, resource-limited communities). Specifically, FIT consists of 14 lessons across three modules that focus on a) strengthening the caregiver-child relationship, b) structuring the environment to prevent misbehavior, and c) developing effective strategies to address misbehavior. This presentation will provide an overview of the FIT curriculum and findings from an initial study evaluating FIT’s impact on 77 participants’ (e.g., educators, paraprofessionals) knowledge, skill, and utilization of FIT while connecting with caregivers and their children (ages 2-10 years) in rural, treatment deserts in Appalachia. Measures included Knowledge of Behavior Principles, a video-based skills assessment, the Usage Rating Profile–Intervention, and participants’ self-report of usage of each lesson’s materials. Additionally, p</span>articipants reported on their satisfaction with FIT as well as ratings of child misbehavior over the course of FIT utilization (with a selected client). Results indicated significant increases in professionals’ behavioral knowledge (p < .01) and skills (p < .001, high use of the training modules (84-98%), and improvements in child behavior (p < .01). Further, participants felt confident in implementing FIT even without institutional support or resources in their rural settings and indicated wanting to recommend FIT to their colleagues (96%) and continue to use it over time with their under-resourced families (98%). Findings will discuss FIT in the context of dissemination initiatives as an accessible treatment option for a wide range of service providers (e.g., limited mental health training/education) and families located in rural settings or treatment deserts.