Targeting Intergenerational Homelessness: Addressing Cognitive Deficits with Parent-Child Intervention Therapy

Abstract

Homelessness is a prevalent problem in modern day society. It is perpetuated by conditions of poverty that contribute to cognitive deficits. These cognitive deficits further the chance of chronic homelessness by decreasing the coping ability and decision making processes of individuals facing homelessness. Additionally, these cognitive deficits and prior history of homelessness predispose individuals to re-experience homelessness chronically. However, early childhood therapy targeting improvement of parent-child understandings and relationships may provide a meaningful intervention to stop intergenerational homelessness and poverty. This paper discusses the specific model of PACT Therapeutic Nursery as an effective means of holistically addressing parent-child bonding. It also notes the efficacy of PCIT in mitigating the negative consequences of conditions associated with poverty, such as child abuse, interparental violence, ADHD, foster care environments, and increased parental stress. It concludes that PCIT may offer a meaningful and practical method for targeting intergenerational poverty and homelessness.