Introduction to the Parent-Child Interaction Assessment
- PMID: 10452199
Introduction to the Parent-Child Interaction Assessment
Abstract
The Parent-Child Interaction Assessment (PCIA) is a procedure developed to yield data about parental attunement as well as other aspects of parent, child, and dyadic functioning. The procedure involves videotaping parents and children ages 4-10 years as they go on an imaginary trip to the zoo together. They begin with a short free-play interaction and then "play out" several scenarios with toy people, animals, and blocks. After cleaning up the toys, the parent and child each are shown the videotape of their interaction. The parent and the child are interviewed about what he or she and the other person are doing, thinking, feeling, and wanting. This article describes the development and theoretical basis of the PCIA. A coding system under development and potential research and clinical applications are discussed. Case examples are provided to illustrate the PCIA.