Mental Health Research

The Mental Health team is committed to a strong understanding of the current state of the child abuse field, especially in regard to the assessment and treatment of abused and neglected children and their families. Further, the mental health team supports ongoing education of its staff in evidence-based treatment approaches for maltreated populations. As part of their commitment to the scholar-practitioner model, mental health staff researchers conduct research to improve knowledge about the mental health needs of maltreated and traumatized children. Currently, the team is conducting research in the following areas:

Application of PCIT to Unique Populations

PCIT and Physically Abused Children
Principal Investigator: Anthony Urquiza, Ph.D.
Dr. Urquiza, in conjunction with colleague Dr. McNeil, received NIMH funding to study the efficacy of PCIT with physically abusive families. Overall, findings revealed that PCIT was effective in decreasing children's behavioral problems, decreasing parenting stress, and improving parenting skills.

PCIT and Spanish-Speaking Populations
Principal Investigator: Katherine Elliott, Ph.D.
Dr. Elliott received funding from the Centers for Disease Control to examine the utility of PCIT with abusive and high-risk Spanish speaking families. This research project is currently underway. Dr. Elliot is working to improve service and outreach to the Latino community.

Foster Parent Population
Principal Investigator: Anthony Urquiza, Ph.D., Susan G. Timmer, Ph.D., and Georganna Sedlar, Ph.D.
The purpose of this project was to compare the effectiveness of PCIT with non-relative foster parent-child dyads and non-abusive biological parent-child dyads referred for treatment. Results showed decreases in child behavior problems and parental distress from pre- to post-treatment for both foster and biological parent-child dyads. The use of PCIT with foster caregivers is an area that holds great promise for mental health service delivery and the child welfare system. The research team plans to continue research in this area.

Emotional Availability in Abusive Families/Parent-Child Relationships with Maltreated Children
Principal Investigator: Susan G. Timmer, Ph.D.
This study explores differences in parent-child interaction styles of abusive and non-abusive parents of children with behavior problems. Preliminary results showed that abusive parents are less sensitive than non-abusive parents. However, children's responsiveness to their parents did not differ by their abuse history.

Examining Differences in Participation in Treatment Among Kin and Non-Kin Foster Caregivers
Principal Investigator: Susan G. Timmer, Ph.D.
The purpose of this study was to examine differences in treatment participation and reported parenting stress between relative and nonrelative caregivers. Understanding differences in self reported stress and participation in treatment is important for improving mental health outcomes for abused children.

Dissemination of PCIT to Community Mental Health Treatment Agencies
Principal Investigator: Anthony Urquiza, Ph.D.
Dr. Urquiza and his staff received funding from the Office of Criminal Justice Planning to disseminate PCIT to maltreatment agencies (see PCIT link for more information about this project). This project will provide valuable information about implementing evidence based mental health services to community agencies.

Treatment Effectiveness of PCIT with Depressed Mothers and Their Children
Principal Investigator: Lareina Ho, MA
The purpose of this project is to examine the treatment effectiveness of PCIT with mothers reporting high levels of depressive symptoms compared to mothers reporting low levels of depressive symptoms. Treatment efficacy will be measured by changes in the quality of parent-child relationship and reductions in child behavior problems, maternal depression, and parental stress. Changes in the quality of the parent-child relationship will be measured using the Emotional Availability Scales, an observational coding system containing six dimensions of parent-child interactions that capture the overall quality of the parent child relationship.

Preliminary Research

An Adaptation of PCIT for Treatment of Children Exhibiting Externalizing and Trauma-Related SymptomsThe purpose of this proposed study is to develop and test the effectiveness of a treatment that combines PCIT and cognitive behavioral trauma focused treatment for children with a history of trauma. This treatment, delivered in a PCIT modality would promote children's well being through decreasing externalizing problems and ameliorating trauma related symptoms.

For additional information on research projects conducted by the Mental Health Team, please contact:

Anthony Urquiza, Ph.D.
Director, Mental Health Services
(916) 734-7833

anthony.urquiza@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu