Comparative effectiveness of parent child interaction versus cognitive behavourial therapy in children aged 5-12 years with behavioral disorders

Submission: 21 January 2026 | Acceptance: 19 March 2026 | Publication: 21 May 2026

1Dr. Danish Ali, 2Dr. Muhammad Irfan Farooqi, 3Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad, 4Dr. Wajid Ali, 5Dr. Uzma Yasmeen

  1. Senior registrar Pediatric medicine, Allied hospital faisalabad
  2. PGR Paediatric medicine, Allied hospital faisalabad
  3. Consultant paediatrician, Chiniot General Hospital, Faisalabad
  4. PGR Paediatric medicine, Allied hospital faisalabad
  5. PGR Paediatric medicine, Allied hospital faisalabad

Abstract

Objective:  The objective of this study was to study the comparative effectiveness of parent child interaction versus cognitive behavourial therapy in children aged 5-12 years with behavioral disorders

Study design: Comparative experimental Study

Place and duration of study: Department of Pediatrics, Tertiary Care Hospital, Faisalabad from May 2024- October 2024.

Methodology: 100 children aged 5–12 years diagnosed with behavioral disorders were included randomly assigned and into two equal groups. The study was conducted over six months in tertiary hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Standardized assessment tools, including the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI), were used before and after treatment. Both groups received 12 weekly therapy sessions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with paired and independent t-tests, considering p < 0.05 statistically significant.

Results: The findings demonstrated significant behavioral improvement in both treatment groups following therapy. Children who received Parent–Child Interaction Therapy showed greater reduction in disruptive behavior, aggression, impulsivity, and parent–child conflict compared to those receiving Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Both interventions were similarly effective in improving emotional regulation and coping skills. Post-treatment assessment scores indicated stronger improvement in externalizing behavioral symptoms among participants in the PCIT group. The results suggest that parental involvement played an important role in enhancing treatment outcomes and strengthening family interactions during the therapeutic process.

Conclusion: Both Parent–Child Interaction Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy were effective in managing childhood behavioral disorders. However, PCIT produced comparatively greater improvement in disruptive behaviors and parent–child relationships because of active caregiver involvement. Early evidence-based psychological intervention is essential for improving emotional, behavioral, and social functioning in affected children.

Key words: parent child interaction therapy,  cognitive behavioral therapy, comparison, age 5-12 years

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