Psychometric Properties of the Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System (DPICS): Investigating Updated Versions across Diagnostic Subgroups

Abstract

Evidence-based assessment requires the use of diverse methods that incorporate multiple informants and demonstrate adequate psychometrics. The Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System (DPICS) is an analogue behavioral observation that evaluates parent-child interactions. Although previous editions of the DPICS have been investigated, support for more recent editions is lacking. The current study investigates the psychometric properties of updated DPICS editions. Participants were 122 parent-child dyads who participated in a DPICS observation and completed measures. Children were between ages 2 and 11 and exhibited a range of clinical problems (e.g., conduct issues, anxiety, no clinical problems). The results provided normative information for all DPICS codes across clinical subgroups. Findings also demonstrated associations between child DPICS codes and several variables, including child age, child diagnosis, and parent-reported child functioning. Fewer associations were observed for parent DPICS codes. The study contributes to the clinical utility and contextual use of the DPICS across clinical settings.