Lay summary
Pathological conduct problems in young children can be devastating for families, and without intervention are a significant risk factor for psychopathology in later life. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is one of few effective treatments available and is distinctive in its use of live parent coaching by a clinician via a one-way mirror. My existing research investigating the sub-optimal implementation of PCIT in Aotearoa strongly suggests that one component of PCIT, time-out for children, is difficult for clinicians to deliver due to its negative connotations. Fundamentally, treatments must be effective, but also usable and acceptable to those delivering them. This proposed programme of research will involve developing and testing an adaptation of PCIT which de-emphasizes time-out. If this adaptation is more readily implemented by clinicians, while remaining effective, it represents a promising future direction for the implementation of treatments such as PCIT and unlocks their therapeutic potential for families in need.