Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Observational Ages 18 to 89

Exploring the benefits of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

Official title: A Mixed-Methods Approach Utilizing Self-Report Scales and Oxytocin Levels to Determine the Potential Benefits of Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Run by University of Florida · NCT06827951 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to see if Parent-Child Interaction Therapy can help parents and their young children with behavior issues feel less stressed and improve their emotional well-being.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 89 Years
SexAll
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Florida
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Gainesville, Florida and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 14, 2025
Main results expectedJune 1, 2026
Study endsJune 1, 2026
Registry record updatedFebruary 12, 2026
Trial IDNCT06827951 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are parents of children aged 2-7 years who are experiencing behavioral concerns and are willing to engage in the PCIT program.

Probably not a fit

Parents with severe mental health disorders or children requiring different interventions may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the potential benefits of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) on parents and their children aged 2-7 years with behavioral concerns. Participants will complete a series of online surveys before, during, and after the PCIT program to assess autonomic reactivity, stress levels, and attachment. The study will also explore how individual characteristics influence the effectiveness of PCIT in improving parental stress and emotional wellbeing. By measuring neuroendocrine functioning and self-reported mental health, the study seeks to understand the mechanisms behind PCIT's impact.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved mental health outcomes for parents and better parent-child relationships.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, indicating that this approach is supported by existing evidence.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Parents of children aged 2-7 years old who are eligible for Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) based on behavioral concerns.
* The primary caregiver of the child and be actively involved in the child's daily care.
* Willing to attend all PCIT sessions and complete pre-, mid- and post-intervention assessments.
* Fluent in English to ensure comprehension of the intervention and assessment materials.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Parents with diagnosed severe mental health disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) that may interfere with participation in PCIT.
* Children with conditions that require interventions other than PCIT (e.g., severe developmental disabilities).
* Parents who have previously participated in PCIT are excluded to avoid confounding results.

Where it's running

  • UF Health Child Psychiatry
    Gainesville, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
  • UF Health Psychiatry San Jose
    Jacksonville, Florida, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Britney N. Duner, LCSW — University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville
  • Study coordinator: Britney Duner, LCSW
  • Email: Britney.Duner@jax.ufl.edu
  • Phone: (904) 383-1038

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.