Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with Separated Parents of a 3-Year-Old Child with Conduct Problems and Callous-Unemotional Traits

Callous and unemotional (CU) traits are associated with an earlier onset of conduct problems in children. The presence of CU traits typically predicts a severe, stable, and aggressive pattern of behavior, especially when the onset of such behaviors begins in childhood. Children with conduct problems and CU continue to exhibit challenging behavior despite implementation of behavior management strategies compared to children with conduct problems alone. An emerging body of research suggests that Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) specifically tailored to address the characteristics unique to CU traits (PCIT-CU) may be an effective intervention for children with conduct problems + CU. This case study presents the treatment of a 3-year-old boy using PCIT-CU who presents with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-combined presentation (ADHD-C), and CU traits. Both caregivers participated but were separated. Following the completion of treatment, conduct problems improved, parent ratings of CU traits decreased, and positive parenting practices increased. This case study adds to the growing literature in support of tailoring behavioral management training interventions for children with conduct problems + CU.