COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF PARENT CHILD INTERACTION VERSUS
COGNITIVE BEHAVOURIAL THERAPY IN CHILDREN AGED 5-12 YEARS WITH
BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS
Submission: 21 January 2025 | Acceptance: 19 March 2025 | Publication: 21 May 2026
Dr. Danish Ali
Senior registrar Pediatric medicine
Allied hospital faisalabad
Dr. Muhammad Irfan Farooqi
PGR Paediatric medicine
Allied hospital faisalabad
Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad
Consultant paediatrician
Chiniot General Hospital, Faisalabad
Dr. Wajid Ali
PGR Paediatric medicine
Allied hospital faisalabad
Dr. Uzma Yasmeen GLOBAL HEALTH & MEDICINE
ISSN / eISSN: 2434-9186 / 2434-9194
Volume 08, Issue 06.
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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.GLOBAL HEALTH & MEDICINE
ISSN / eISSN: 2434-9186 / 2434-9194
Volume 08, Issue 06.
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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