Is parent-child interaction therapy effective on aggression and biological indices in pre-school children with parents who use high-potency cannabis? A double-blind randomized controlled trial study in an Iranian sample

Authors

  • Bijan Pirnia Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8349-5736
  • Masoumeh Mohamadi Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
  • Isar Abbasi Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
  • Tayyebeh Kord-Ahmadi Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Tehran, Iran
  • Farima Foroughi Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz Branch, Ahvaz, Iran

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22122/cdj.v8i3.525

Keywords:

Aggression, Tetrahydrocannabinol, Addiction, Problem Behavior, Child, Preschool

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Improving interpersonal interactions between parents and the child can indirectly reduce the extrapolation behavioral problems, including aggression in children.

METHODS: Among parents who used high-potency cannabis (marijuana or ‘gol’ as it is called in Iran) and lived in Tehran, Iran, sixty four caregivers and an Iranian child were selected through respondent-driven sampling and studied in the form of a double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) (TCTR20180804001) with repeated measurements method and a 6-month follow-up. The changes in the aggression and cortisol levels were repeatedly evaluated during 12 weeks of interactive treatment and analyzed by Monte Carlo test, repeated measures correlation (rmcorr), and generalized estimating equation (GEE) via SPSS software. Statistical significance was accepted on the level of P < 0.010.

RESULTS: 12 weeks of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) had a significant effect on the reduction of aggression and the salivary cortisol level in children (P < 0.010). However, the results did not remain stable till the 6-month follow-up stage (P = 0.067). Also, results revealed a significant relationship between aggression index and the level of cortisol (P < 0.010).

CONCLUSION: Since the core of the damage resulted from illicit drug abuse is reflected in interactive activities, improving social interactions can be considered as the key to the treatment of addiction.

References

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Published

2020-08-23

How to Cite

1.
Pirnia B, Mohamadi M, Abbasi I, Kord-Ahmadi T, Foroughi F. Is parent-child interaction therapy effective on aggression and biological indices in pre-school children with parents who use high-potency cannabis? A double-blind randomized controlled trial study in an Iranian sample. Chron Dis J. 2020;8(3):152–155.

Issue

Vol 8, No 3 (2020)

Section

Short Communication(s)

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