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Being overweight or obese can have severe negative psychological impacts and reduce health-related functioning. To improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and sleep habits for children with overweight or obesity, it is important to design and implement effective interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 6-month family-based lifestyle intervention on HRQoL and sleep habits in Norwegian children with overweight or obesity in a primary-care setting. This 6-month, non-randomised, cluster-controlled trial included Norwegian children aged 5–13 years with overweight or obesity and their parents. A questionnaire was filled out by the parents. A total of 33 and 52 children in the control group and 41 and 78 children in the intervention group answered the HRQoL and sleep habits questions, respectively, and were included. The intervention group received individual family counselling and participated in physical activity groups and nutrition courses. The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and Kidscreen-10 index were used to assess sleep habits and HRQoL. At baseline, the mean average scores for HRQoL were 50.0 [standard deviation (SD) 8.1] for the intervention group and 49.0 (SD 10.1) for the control group. For sleep habits at baseline, the mean average scores were 45.2 (SD 11.8) for the intervention group and 46.0 (SD 11.9) for the control group. No significant changes in HRQoL and sleep habits after the intervention were revealed. Overall, the family-based lifestyle intervention targeting overweight and obese children in a primary-care setting showed no significant effect on HRQoL or sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic playgroups have potential to benefit families and children enrolled in early intervention. A pretest–posttest, mixed methods, sequential explanatory design was utilized to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of an 8-week SEE Me (Social Emotional Education) therapeutic playgroup delivered by a collaborative team of providers using a convenience sample of 28 parent and child dyad participants and 19 early intervention providers. Results indicated statistically significant improvements in parent efficacy and parent–child interaction (affection and responsiveness) following participation. Parents and providers highlighted the role of the parent and reported improvements in child engagement, social interaction, and skill development in successful playgroups. Play activities and objects, facilitator support, and parent capacity were rated as supports for feasible delivery; challenges included child engagement and program implementation. These results provide preliminary evidence for both the effectiveness and feasibility of providing therapeutic playgroups as part of comprehensive early intervention services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parenting a child with anorexia nervosa (AN) is highly stressful, and the struggles around eating have a large impact on family functioning. Parents get involved in conflicts with their child and/or accommodate to the eating disorder symptoms. Non‐violent resistance (NVR) offers an additional treatment option for these families. NVR aims at helping parents effectively deal with their child's (self‐)destructive behaviour and their own helplessness, by non‐violent and non‐escalating means. In our pilot, we examined whether NVR was helpful in reducing stress and improve parent–child interaction. In six parents, it was found that parenting stress was significantly reduced at post‐assessment and at 3‐month follow‐up. For parent–child interaction, a non‐significant trend was found for improvement. Change in body mass index of the adolescents was not associated with the decrease in parenting stress. Although preliminary, the results of this pilot suggest that NVR can be a feasible treatment alternative for families of adolescents with AN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eating disorders (EDs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) often co-occur. However, not all providers that treat persons with an ED provide SUD treatment. Using the National Mental Health Services Survey, this study examined 1,387 ED treatment providers in the U.S. Facilities were categorized according to whether they provided SUD treatment. Differences based on facilities' profit status, available treatment settings, payment options, and treatment services were examined. Most ED facilities in the sample offered SUD treatment services (67.2%). Differences in proportions of the facility type, availability of outpatient treatment, sliding fee scale payment option, whether the facility had a program for individuals with co-occurring mental health and SUD, couples/family therapy, dual disorders treatment, and if the facility provided telemedicine/telehealth were identified. Although most facilities in this sample offered SUD services, more should be done to increase such facilities' capacity to provide treatment for co-occurring ED and SUD nationwide. Nearly 70% of all ED treatment facilities reported offering SUD treatment. Geographic disparities in these integrated services exist. Eighty-six percent of these facilities had outpatient treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Families must restructure and renegotiate rules, roles, and boundaries when a member is incarcerated. Nonincarcerated partners may act as gatekeepers and primary caretakers, however, a strong coparenting alliance can facilitate better family outcomes such as greater relationship satisfaction and cohesion. Structural family therapy (SFT) can help families conceptualize a healthy structure when experiencing the incarceration of a member. In this study, an actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) was estimated using structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze 864 heterosexual romantic couples where the man was incarcerated, using data from the Multi-site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting and Partnering (MFS-IP). We examined the relationship between 4-point scales measuring the perceived reliability of parenting responsibilities and internally consistent 8-item Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) scores that capture relationship satisfaction and cohesion. Both actor and partner effects are significant for each dyad member; being able to rely on one's partner to follow through with their parenting responsibilities and having a partner who can rely on them are important predictors of greater relationship satisfaction and cohesion. Results emphasize the need for therapeutic services to strengthen romantic and coparenting relationships where one partner is incarcerated. Highlights: When a parent is incarcerated, families are tasked with restructuring. SFT allows for the theoretical understanding of structure, rules, and boundaries for families experiencing incarceration. We examined the relationship between the perceived reliability of parenting responsibilities and dyadic adjustment. Being able to rely on one's partner concerning parenting responsibilities predicts greater relationship satisfaction and cohesion and having a partner who can rely on the respondent predicts greater relationship satisfaction and cohesion. Results showcase the need for therapeutic services to strengthen incarcerated romantic and coparenting relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined relationship quality of couples as a mediator between therapy progression and reduced individual distress in short-term systemic couple therapy. Participants evaluated relationship-quality (EVOS), therapy progress (STEP), and individual distress (OQ45) before therapy and one month after therapy. Clients' evaluation of the therapeutic process predicted a reduction of individual distress. Hierarchical mediation-analysis revealed that the effect was completely mediated by the change in the relationship quality over the course of the therapy. Results highlight the importance of relationship quality for each individual's health. Specifically in systemic couple therapy, improving relationship quality is the core ingredient that drives its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Down syndrome (DS) is a chromosomal condition that is characterized by multiple pathological phenotypes. Oxidative stress caused by DS in individuals leads to DS phenotypes, which include various morphological abnormalities and externalizing disorders. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and reactive metabolites and the antioxidant defenses. Considering the physical and behavioral problems of adolescents with DS, the family is the first source of support for these adolescents. So one of the methods that can help adolescents with DS is family-based intervention. This study aimed to investigate the effects of family-based interventions on oxidative stress and social skills of adolescents with DS. The design of the research was quasi-experimental and pre-test/post-test with a control group. The study sample was 24 adolescents with DS in Rasht City, Guilan Province, Iran, in 2023, who were selected by the convenience sampling method. To collect data, blood laboratory evaluation and strengths and difficulties questionnaire (teacher form) were used before and after the training. The experimental group received behavioral management group training for 10 sessions, and the control group did not receive any training. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis of covariance. The results showed that family-based interventions improved oxidative stress and increased social skills of adolescents with DS (p < 0.001). According to these results, family-based interventions can have important implications for social adaptation and the prevention of physical problems in individuals with DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research on autistic sibling relationship quality largely ignored autistic sibling perspectives. Researchers continue to prioritize allistic (non-autistic) siblings' notions of relationship quality, preventing clinicians from faithfully measuring and supporting the relational well-being of autistic clients. The present study aims to understand adult autistic sibling relationship quality from both the perspective of autistic and allistic siblings, and how the combination of sibling neurocognitive functioning styles in sibling pairs impacts these results. Our sample (N = 211) is from a larger study of college students asked about their sibling relationships, with the following subgroups: 15 autistic participant and sibling pairs (both autistic), 51 allistic participants with autistic siblings (participant allistic, sibling autistic), and 145 allistic participants and sibling pairs (both allistic). We operationalized sibling relationship quality as intimacy using the Intimacy Scale (IS), and warmth using the Adult Sibling Relationship Questionnaire (ASRQ). We conducted analyses with ANOVA and post hoc tests. Results indicate that both sibling warmth (F = 15.24, p < 0.001) and sibling intimacy (F = 18.33, p < 0.001) differ significantly by sibling neurocognitive style combination. Sibling neurocognitive style combination still independently predicted sibling warmth (F = 6.64, p < 0.01) and intimacy (F = 3.66, p < 0.01) when controlling for demographics. We consider the implications of these findings, including the risks of perpetuating discrimination and a clinical ideology of cure when attempting to measure and operationalize relationship quality with autistic people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The joint evidence of the cost and the effectiveness of family-based therapies is modest. Objective: To study the cost-effectiveness of family therapy (FT) versus treatment-as-usual (TAU) for young people seen after self-harm combining data from an 18-month trial and hospital records up to 60-month from randomisation. Methods: We estimate the cost-effectiveness of FT compared to TAU over 5 years using a quasi-Markov state model based on self-harm hospitalisations where probabilities of belonging in a state are directly estimated from hospital data. The primary outcome is quality-adjusted life years (QALY). Cost perspective is NHS and PSS and includes treatment costs, health care use, and hospital attendances whether it is for self-harm or not. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios are calculated and deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses are conducted. Results: Both trial arms show a significant decrease in hospitalisations over the 60-month follow-up. In the base case scenario, FT participants incur higher costs (mean +£1,693) and negative incremental QALYs (-0.01) than TAU patients. The associated ICER at 5 years is dominated and the incremental health benefit at the £30,000 per QALY threshold is -0.067. Probabilistic Sensitivity Analysis finds the probability that FT is cost-effective is around 3 − 2% up to a maximum willingness to pay of £50,000 per QALY. This suggest that the extension of the data to 60 months show no difference in effectiveness between treatments. Conclusion: Whilst extended trial follow-up from routinely collected statistics is useful to improve the modelling of longer-term cost-effectiveness, FT is not cost-effective relative to TAU and dominated in a cost-utility analysis. Key points: • Extension of evidence base of hospitalisations from 18 months to 5 years show all hospitalisations and self-harm hospitalisations continue to decline with no incremental difference in performance between family therapy and treatment as usual. • The conditional cost of a self-harm hospitalisation falls in line with the probability of an hospitalisation. This suggests the constant conditional cost assumed by NICE may be unrealistic. It does not influence the health economic argument in this case but may well do where there is a difference in the rate of hospitalisations across treatments. • Out of hospital costs represent the main cost-driver and we are unable to estimate the longer-term relationship. Although this is unlikely to have any impact in this evaluation it remains an important research question. Similarly, the relationship between health-related quality of life and self-harm remains uncertain with smaller than anticipated differences measured when using self-harm hospitalisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted children, adolescents, and their families, with significant psychosocial consequences. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and self-injurious behaviors increased in our youth, as well as the number of suicide attempts and hospitalizations related to suicidal ideation. Additionally, parents' mental health saw increasing rates of depression, irritability, and alcohol use combined with worsening family function, child-parent connectedness, positive family expressiveness, and increases in family conflict. In light of these statistics, we created CHATogether (Compassionate Home, Action Together), a pilot family-centered intervention using multi-faceted psychotherapeutic approaches to improve familial communication and relational health between adolescents and their parents. This paper discusses the implementation of the CHATogether intervention at the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), providing an example of the intervention through an in-depth pilot case, and evaluation of the program's acceptability and feasibility. Methods: This paper describes a case in detail and evaluation from a total of 30 families that completed CHATogether in the initial pilot. Each family had 4–6 one-hour CHATogether sessions during their 6-week treatment course at the IOP. Before and after CHATogether, adolescents and their parents separately completed a questionnaire designed to explore their perceived family conflicts. After completion of the program, participants completed a brief quality improvement survey to assess their overall experience with CHATogether. In the reported case, the family completed Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) depressive and anxiety symptoms scales, Conflict Behavior Questionnaires (CBQ), 9-item Concise Health Risk Tracking Self-Report (CHRT-SR9), and help-seeking attitude from adults during distress and suicide concerns. Results: The pilot case showed a trend of improvement in reported depressive and anxiety symptoms, child-parent conflicts, subfactors of suicide risk including pessimism, helplessness, and despair, help-seeking acceptability from parents for suicide concerns, and the establishment of individualized family relationship goals. Preliminary feedback from participating families demonstrated positive effects on intra-family communication and improvement in the overall family dynamic. Adolescents (n = 30/30) and their parents (n = 30/30) rated "strongly agree" or "agree" that their families had benefited from CHATogether and welcomed participation in future program development. Conclusion: This study presents CHATogether as a novel family-centered intervention to address post-pandemic family mental health stress, especially when a family system was disrupted and negatively affected the mental health of children and adolescents. The intervention facilitated positive child-parent communication on a variety of topics, through tools such as emotional expression and help-seeking behavior. The reported pilot case and evaluation suggested CHATogether's acceptability and feasibility in a clinical context. We also provided quality improvement feedback to guide future studies in establishing the efficacy of CHATogether and other similar models of clinical family interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to test the hypothesis that marital communication moderates the relationship between marital conflict resolution (predictor) and marital satisfaction (criterion) after controlling for marital stability and sexual relationship among heterosexual married individuals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The results of the present study fully support the hypothesis that marital communication moderates the relationship between marital conflict resolution and marital satisfaction. Therefore, marriage counselors or other professionals working in marriage counseling must place a high priority on marital communication as an essential tool for marital conflict resolution and developing and maintaining a long-lasting satisfying marital relationship among married individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a profession, social work is concerned with the person in the social context; yet, interventions typically involve formal service provision while the informal network is rarely a focal point. This well-established approach has implications across all fields of social work practice, but perhaps nowhere more so than in the alcohol and other drug treatment and child welfare sectors, as both support socially isolated individuals and families. This article discusses the Mirror Families™ pilot, an innovation in practice introduced to assist women exiting residential treatment create a supportive and enduring social network for themselves and their children. Initial findings indicate the program was effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to investigate whether each coping style used by Vietnamese people living with infertility diagnosis is associated with specific types of infertility-related stress (IRS). In this cross-sectional design study, 997 patients with primary infertility diagnosis from three hospitals and two clinics in three regions of Vietnam completed questionnaire that consisted of Fertility Problem Inventory, the Copenhagen Multi-Centre Psychosocial Infertility and other questions. Four different linear regression analyses were performed on four coping styles. The five types of IRS and covariates were included in these models. The results show that participants who experience all five types of IRS reported the dominant use of active-avoidance coping, while having four types of IRS, except for social concern, was associated with higher use of meaning-based coping. Utilising active-confronting coping was reported to be the outcome of experiencing increasing need for parenthood and decreasing rejection of child-free lifestyle. Choice of passive-avoidance coping was more common among those with increasing social concern and need for parenthood. Age and educational level impacted infertile people's choice of avoidance coping strategies. The results provide evidence to understand the direct impact of each type of IRS on infertile people's choice of coping styles to better support them during their individual and family therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite common use of the Therapy Attitude Inventory (TAI) to measure satisfaction with parenting interventions, psychometric support has only been demonstrated in predominantly White caregivers of typically developing children following clinic-based treatments. Additionally, the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the TAI have not been assessed. The present study examined the reliability and validity of the English and Spanish versions of the TAI among mostly Hispanic/Latinx caregivers of children with developmental delay (DD; n = 65) following Internet-delivered Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (iPCIT). Internal consistency was excellent for both versions. Convergent validity was demonstrated by a strong correlation with the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8. Satisfaction was predicted by improvements in child behavior and parenting skills, as well as reductions in caregivers' negative feelings about parenting, following treatment. These findings support use of the TAI with Spanish-speaking families, families from minoritized backgrounds and with children with DD, and following telehealth interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past research suggests behavioral treatments are effective for challenging behavior in children and young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, access to these services can be limited and require substantial resources. To address this issue, the current study provides a programmatic description of an individualized parent-mediated service model targeting moderate challenging behavior. In the program, therapists coached parents to implement functional analyses and individualized function-based treatment packages. Forty-one families of children and young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders participated. Most clients (75.6%) met all admission treatment goals and parents reported significant decreases in frequency and severity of challenging behaviors at discharge. Parents also reported less stress at discharge. Outcomes of the study suggest this parent-mediated treatment model is a viable option to treating moderate challenging behavior in children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Family‐based treatment (FBT) for youth with anorexia nervosa (AN), has not been compared to inpatient, multimodal treatment (IMT). Method: Prospective, non‐randomized pilot feasibility study of adolescents with AN receiving FBT (n = 31), and as a reference point for exploratory outcome comparisons IMT (n = 31), matched for baseline age and percent median BMI (%mBMI). Feasibility of FBT in youth fulfilling criteria for IMT was assessed via study recruitment and retention rates; acceptability via drop‐out and caregiver strain; safety via adverse events; preliminary treatment effectiveness between groups was assessed via a change in %mBMI, AN psychopathology (Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire, EDE‐Q), and hospital days, over 12 months with intent‐to‐treat, mixed models repeated measures analyses covering post‐intervention usual care until 12 months. Results: Taking into account that 8 FBT patients (25.8%) crossed over to IMT due to lack of weight gain or psychiatric concerns, FBT and IMT were similarly feasible, acceptable, and safe, apart from more physical antagonism toward others in FBT (p =.010). FBT lasted longer (median [interquartile range, IQR]; 33.6 [17.4, 49.9] vs. 17.3 [14.4, 24] weeks, p <.001), but required fewer hospital days than IMT (median, [IQR], FBT = 1 [0, 16] vs. IMT = 123 [101, 180], p <.001). Baseline comorbidity‐adjusted changes over 12 months did not differ between groups in %mBMI (FBT = 12.6 ± 11.9 vs. IMT = 13.7 ± 9.1; p =.702) and EDE‐Q global score (median, [IQR]; FBT = −1.2 [−2.3, 0.2] vs. IMT = −1.3 [−2.8, −0.4]; p =.733). Discussion: Implementing FBT in this pilot study was feasible, acceptable, and safe for youth eligible for IMT according to German S3 guidelines. Non‐inferiority of FBT versus IMT requires confirmation in a sufficiently large multicenter RCT. Public Significance: This pilot study with 62 adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa demonstrated that for 2/3rd of patients eligible for a long hospitalization in the German health care system, outpatient, Family‐based treatment (FBT) was a safe and feasible treatment alternative. Over 12 months, FBT lead to similar weight gain and reduction in eating disorder cognitions as inpatient treatment with fewer hospital days. This pilot study needs to be followed up by a larger, multicenter trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Parent-only cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions have promise for youth with anxiety disorders. Fear-Less Triple P (FLTP) is one such intervention that has been found comparable to child-focused CBT. Although traditionally administered in six sessions, a one-day workshop format of FLTP was developed to improve accessibility. The current study compared the effectiveness of the six-session and one-day workshop formats. Method: Seventy-three youth (mean age, 8.4 years; 74% male) were randomized to traditional FLTP (6-week group) or the one-day workshop format. Anxiety diagnostic status, self- and parent-reported anxiety symptoms scores, independent evaluator-rated improvement, treatment satisfaction, and measures of family functioning were included to assess treatment outcome. Data were collected prior to treatment, and 1-week, 6-months, and 12-months following treatment. Results: Both conditions resulted in significant improvement in child anxiety symptom scores per parent report (on both questionnaire and diagnostic interview measures). Furthermore, significant decreases in sibling anxiety were observed in both treatment conditions. There were no statistically significant differences between conditions on any outcome measure. Conclusions: Results of this study add to the growing evidence that brief, low-intensity, parent-only interventions can effectively target child psychopathology. These brief interventions are ideal for families for whom the resources and time required to commit to a standard multi-week intervention are prohibitive. Registration of Clinical Trials: This trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN 12615001284550). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helping family members engaged in the change process of therapy is an essential task of the therapist in the early part of the therapeutic process. Research demonstrates that fathers are frequently the least engaged family member in family therapy, but qualitative research into the nature of father engagement in family therapy is infrequent at best. This study aimed to understand factors that help or hinder fathers from becoming as fully engaged in therapy as mothers, in the fathers' own words. The primary question that guided the development and execution of the study was, "What do fathers perceive as primary influences (i.e., barriers and facilitators) to their engagement in the therapeutic process?" A grounded-theory qualitative approach was used to assess what fathers with a child in family therapy believe makes therapeutic engagement easier or more difficult. The study used semi-structured interviews with 10 fathers whose child was the identified patient (IP) in family therapy to learn about their therapeutic experiences. These voices subsequently came together to demonstrate therapeutic influences in seven themes: the role of the therapist, the structure of therapy, fear of the unknown, the inherently difficult process of therapy, observation of therapeutic change, the child's enthusiasm about therapy, and fathers' role in therapy. Those themes led to a revised conceptual map that may lay the groundwork for a theory of therapist influence, helping therapists better identify the areas where they may have more influence and action about father engagement. Implications for further research and improved therapeutic engagement of fathers is discussed, including further studying the proposed conceptual map. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this clinical paper, the focus is on the use of questionnaires in family therapy practice. Psychotherapy research has indicated that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is the most robust predictor of therapeutic change. While the therapeutic relationship is even more important in family therapy than in individual therapy, it is also more complex. As will be illustrated in this paper, questionnaires can be useful in clinical practice to deal with the complex alliances in family therapy. In this paper, we will introduce two questionnaires: the Worries Questionnaire and the Dialogical Feedback Questionnaire. As illustrated in detailed case stories, we use these questionnaires in our practice as conversational tools rather than measuring instruments. They serve as the starting point for the therapist's reflection and for dialogues with family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of family therapy based on family consolidation on marital conflicts and sexual satisfaction of couples applying for divorce. Methods: The research method was semi-experimental with experimental and control groups. The statistical population of this research included all couples applying for divorce who referred to counseling centers in Kerman city in 2023. 30 couples were selected as available and were replaced in two experimental (15 couples) and control (15 couples) groups randomly and by lottery method. Family therapy intervention based on family consolidation was conducted in 8 sessions twice a week for 90 minutes and after 3 months of follow-up. In order to collect data, Barati and Sanai's Marital Conflict Questionnaire and Larson's Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire were used. In order to analyze the data, descriptive statistics tests (mean and standard deviation) and analysis of variance with repeated measurements were used with SPSS version 24 software. Results: The results showed that family therapy based on family consolidation had an effect on reducing marital conflicts (P < 0.001, F = 37.24) and increasing sexual satisfaction (P < 0.001, F = 126.34) of couples applying for divorce (P < 0.001). Conclusions: According to the results of this research, it is recommended to use family therapy based on family consolidation in reducing marital conflicts and increasing sexual satisfaction of couples applying for divorce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the importance of parent involvement and parent-implemented interventions in achieving maximum child outcomes, practitioners need valid measures to assess and monitor family outcomes in developing and delivering effective and sustainable interventions. This study examined the structure of the Family Outcomes Survey, Form A, using a sample of 467 caregivers of young children diagnosed with or at increased likelihood of autism in China and identified significant predictors of the five family outcomes. Findings supported a five-factor model but a poorer fit was reported when the overall family outcome factor was added to the model. Modeling shared variance between some items under Outcome 4, "having support systems," and Outcome 5, "accessing the community" was found to significantly improve the model fit. Among the analyzed child and family characteristics, the number of hours that the caregiver spent with the autistic child, caregivers' employment status, family income, and caregivers' educational attainment were found to be significantly associated with Family Outcomes Survey, Form A scores. Implications of the findings are discussed. Efforts to measure, document, and monitor family outcomes can be helpful to practitioners in developing and delivering effective and sustainable interventions. Researchers have developed the Family Outcomes Survey, Form A, for measuring the outcomes experienced by families of children in the early intervention/early childhood special education system. Little has been reported on how well the five outcomes on the Family Outcomes Survey, Form A describe the experiences and expectations of families of autistic children in China. We conducted a survey using the Family Outcomes Survey, Form A, Chinese version with 467 caregivers of young autistic children in China. First, the five-outcome structure of the Family Outcomes Survey, Form A seemed to be appropriate for measuring family outcomes of autistic children in China. We also found that the Chinese caregivers of autistic children seemed to give general lower ratings on all five outcomes on the Family Outcomes Survey, Form A as compared to caregivers of children in early intervention/early childhood special education in Western countries like the United States and Australia. Furthermore, caregivers' ratings on the five Family Outcomes Survey, Form A outcomes seemed to be related to their educational attainment, employment status, family income level, and how much time caregivers spent with their autistic child. This study supported the use of the Family Outcomes Survey, Form A, Chinese version with families of autistic children in China. We also discussed how the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic could have impacted the family outcomes as reported by the Chinese caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couples therapy is an effective intervention for relationship problems. Despite the growing need and interest in online couples therapy during the pandemic, there is a dearth of outcome and/or process research. The current study applies the Hermeneutic Single Case Efficacy Design (HSCED) to examine the effectiveness of couples therapy across 24 weeks of treatment with a young couple who had to stay apart during the pandemic. A rich case record consisting of quantitative measures, change interviews and a case file was gathered. Based on the information, the authors developed opposing (affirmative and skeptic) arguments regarding whether the client changed over therapy and whether therapy was responsible for these changes. The results showed some improvement in the couple's relationship attributes, attachment behaviors as well as presenting problems. The couple attributed most change to the therapy process and the relationship that they have with their therapist. It appeared that the change took place over the first 16 sessions, and together with extra-therapeutic factors, online couples therapy appeared to contribute to this change. The complex, nonlinear, and multi-layered nature of change in couples therapy was discussed in terms of clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family Check‐up (FCU) was introduced in Sweden more than a decade ago. Little is known about what parents experience as FCU's key mechanisms leading to changes in parenting. The aim of this study was to investigate Swedish parents' satisfaction with FCU, and their experiences of facilitators and barriers for making changes in their parenting. A mixed methods approach was employed using a parent satisfaction questionnaire (n = 77) and focus groups (n = 15). General satisfaction with FCU was adequate, with an average rating of 4 on a five‐point scale (range 3.1–4.6). The analysis of quantitative and qualitative data resulted in eight themes representing facilitators and four themes representing barriers, organized into three categories: (1) access and engagement; (2) therapeutic process; and (3) program components. Ease of access to FCU facilitated initial engagement. Individual tailoring and access to FCU during different phases of change facilitated sustained engagement and change. Therapeutic process facilitators were a meaningful, supportive relationship with the provider, psychological benefits for parents and benefits for the whole family. Program components that facilitated change in parenting were new learning of parenting strategies and use of helpful techniques such as videotaping and home practice. Negative experiences with service systems prior to starting FCU, parent psychological barriers, and parent‐provider mismatch were described as potential barriers. Some parents desired other program formats that were not offered, and some felt that new learning was insufficient to improve child behavior. Understanding the parent perspective can contribute to successful future work with implementing FCU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outcomes for a wide range of physical and mental health conditions can be influenced by the level of criticism and warmth in the family environment known in the literature as Expressed Emotion (EE). This finding is also true for individuals with an At-Risk Mental State (ARMS) for psychosis with individual's perceptions of EE predicting transition to psychosis. While the original concept of EE incorporates both positive and negative aspects of relationships, most measures of EE and research focus on the negative aspects of relationships. Positive factors are also important and associated with improvements in functioning and reduced symptoms. However, the absence of a comprehensive, self-report measure of positive aspects of EE has hindered research in this area. This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of a new 10-item Service User Perceived Criticism and Warmth Questionnaire (SU-PCaW) based on the 2-item Perceived Criticism and 2-item Perceived Warmth questionnaires. The measure was quick and easy to administer and had high internal consistency and reliability. This measure would aid services in screening families for therapy, be helpful in evaluating family intervention in groups such as the ARMS population and a useful measure for future research developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Family intervention (FI) is recommended in national guidance to be offered to all service users accessing an early intervention in psychosis (EIP) team, due to the consistent evidence base in reducing relapse and rehospitalisation rates. However, FI implementation is poor nationally. Although barriers have been identified at the level of staff member and the organisation, there is a paucity of research identifying service user perspectives. Methods: A qualitative questionnaire design was used to explore service user perspectives of behavioural family therapy (BFT) within a specialist EIP service in northwest England. Results: Most participants contacted reported they lacked knowledge and understanding of BFT, with 54% reporting that this intervention had not been offered to them. This finding was unexpected and is inconsistent with the offer of BFT documentation in their clinical notes. Reasons for accepting BFT included to increase understanding of family members and for them to also be supported. Reasons for declining BFT included a preference for one‐to‐one interventions and not wanting family involved in their care. Conclusions: National guidance on FI for psychosis is not reliably being translated to clinical practice, with many participants reporting that they were not offered this intervention. A key factor in accepting or declining an offer of BFT appeared to be whether participants wanted family members to be involved in their care. A lack of understanding of the BFT approach was evident, it is recommended that the offer of FI in psychosis is improved for service users to make an informed decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This two‐part paper examines a newly developed Multi‐Family Therapy (MFT) for clients and their families in the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP) in Singapore. The first part of the paper describes the activities, its theoretical underpinnings and the therapist's observations of the families' responses. The second part of the paper evaluates the content, structure and effects of the MFT through feedback from the 17 families. Separate feedback was obtained from the EPIP team. The qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The majority of the participants found 'Image of Psychosis' and 'Family Life River' activities most useful and reported that mutual learning and support were the key therapeutic factors. The EPIP professionals suggested ways to improve potential participants' understanding of MFT to help with recruitment. The preliminary results from the pilot programme support the use of MFT in the context of Singapore. Practitioner pointsAn activity‐based and experiential MFT programme engages families to work in a creative and playful way.Active involvement of the multidisciplinary team in the MFT programme helps to secure their engagement and support for interventions.Adopting an expert stance and focusing on practical concerns, rather than taking a reflective approach, is crucial in working with Singaporean families when adapting a Western‐based multi‐family psychoeducation group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence demonstrates the deleterious impact of ongoing and poorly resolved parental conflict on children's wellbeing. 'No Kids in the Middle' (NKM) is a multi‐family programme that aims to help high‐conflict separated parents find new ways of communicating. The aim of this study was to adapt, deliver and evaluate NKM in three UK pilot sites. This paper reports findings from interviews exploring families' experiences of this intervention, and questionnaires which measured change for families over the course of the programme. Parents reported reductions in hostility and conflict when discussing parenting issues. Children reported improved wellbeing with respect to family life, and a reduction in 'avoidance' with respect to talking or thinking about parental conflict. Parents reported reduced internalising symptoms in children. The findings indicate that NKM could be a promising intervention for high‐conflict separated parents and their children, deliverable by frontline practitioners. Practitioner pointsInter‐parental conflict can negatively impact children's wellbeingMulti‐family therapy may be a promising approach for separated parents experiencing co‐parenting conflictAfter the NKM multi‐family programme, parents reported reduced levels of hostility and conflict when discussing parenting issuesAt the end of the NKM programme, children reported improved wellbeing with respect to family life, and a reduction in 'avoidance' with respect to talking or thinking about family conflict. Relatedly, parents reported reduced internalising symptoms in children [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about Couple/Marriage and Family Therapy (C/MFT) or Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) trainees with respect to their baseline perceptions about substance use and other systemically relevant therapeutic concepts integral to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Understanding trainee's baseline perceptions upon entering a SUD-focused training program may allow for directed tailoring of the training to meet student's educational needs in learning about how to work with families affected by SUD most effectively. To help address this gap, this study examined substance use perceptions of C/MFT and CMHC trainees upon initial enrollment in an opioid training program. Masters-level trainees completed a baseline survey assessing substance use/user perceptions, efficacy in working with substance-using clients, interprofessional collaboration, multicultural competency, and professional quality of life. Baseline data from n = 61 trainees were examined. Findings indicated substance use perceptions were related to trainee efficacy, multicultural competence, and professional quality of life. Further, there were group differences in drug perceptions based on previous substance use training and in trainee efficacy related to working with families affected by substance use, as well as and previous experience working with families affected by substance use. The current findings can inform development and refinement of substance use training within the behavioral health fields and develop the substance use workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to compare the differences between Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) student perceptions of (a) types of praise used by MFT supervisors, (b) MFT students' self-theory of intelligence, and (c) MFT students' continued development of skills. Four hypotheses were tested stating that different types of praise used by MFT supervisors would have a significant effect on MFT supervisees' development of skills. Two MANCOVAs were performed, which revealed that therapists praised for their efforts significantly continued to improve their professional skills, while others praised for their ability significantly reduced their efforts in upgrading clinical skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This phenomenological study explored experiences of asexual identified persons within the context of relationships. Thirty-five asexual spectrum identified participants took part in semi-structured interviews that focused on how they viewed themselves and their uniquenesses within relationship dynamics. Queer theory guided the research design and analysis. Findings include a movement towards understanding and experiencing relationships that extend beyond heteronormativity. Themes included: (a) evolving asexual identity development, (b) conscious adapting and communication within relationships, (c) reconsidering amatonormativity, and (d) therapeutic recommendations. Participants identified that their relationships were distinctly different from social expectations; however, overall, partners adapted successfully to these differences with communication and understanding. Findings contribute to a greater competency in asexual identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the effectiveness of narrative therapy on adult attachment styles and expressivity in women experiencing low marital satisfaction. This study was quasi‐experimental. Participants consist of 30 women experiencing low marital satisfaction. They were selected based on availability and randomly designated to an intervention or waiting list group. Narrative therapy was accomplished individually in six 45‐min sessions for the intervention group. Results based on repeated‐measures analysis of variance showed no significant improvement in the intervention group for expressivity and adult attachment. Still, it revealed a considerable improvement during follow‐up in expressivity. Consequently, results indicate that narrative therapy cannot influence adult attachment and expressivity, but a 2‐month follow‐up questionnaire administered indicates improvement in expressivity with a large effect size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infidelity is a challenging but prominent issue in couple therapy. In addition to the negative outcomes, clinicians generally report that infidelity is the second most difficult problem to treat after intimate partner violence. The purpose of this study was to identify the recovery process in the betrayed (non-participating) partner. Specifically, we sought to identify the implications of online infidelity (infidelity that occurs through Internet modalities, such as social media messaging, direct messages, etc.) on the betrayed partner during recovery. Across three focus groups of those in dating relationships, we identified an eight-stage process through the lens of the betrayed partner: intuition, investigation, discovery, confrontation, response, forgiveness/limbo, termination, and new rules. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This single‐arm, repeated measures study investigated the impact caregiver trauma history may have on treatment response following an intensive, 2‐day Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) caregiver workshop. Caregivers (n = 243) completed questionnaires regarding their child's emotion regulation and clinical symptoms, as well as their own childhood trauma history (i.e., exposure to various forms of child maltreatment), caregiver self‐efficacy and caregiver blocks (e.g., fears) to support their child's treatment and recovery. Questionnaires were administered prior to and immediately following the workshop and again 4, 8 and 12 months later. At baseline, caregivers who reported experiences of childhood maltreatment demonstrated more blocks compared with caregivers who did not (B = 6.35, SE = 2.62, p < 0.05). Results indicated that caregivers with and without maltreatment histories reported similar, significant gains in their child's total difficulties (B = 0.64, SE = 0.41, p = 0.12) and emotional negativity and lability (B = 0.51, SE = 0.48, p = 0.29) at 12‐month post‐workshop. Caregivers with maltreatment histories reported greater improvements in caregiver blocks (B = 5.15, SE = 1.34, p < 0.001) and child emotion regulation (B = 0.90, SE = 0.18, p < 0.001) than caregivers without maltreatment histories. They also report less, but still significant, improvement in parental self‐efficacy (B = −0.68, SE = 0.26, p < 0.01) when compared with caregivers without maltreatment histories. Findings suggest that EFFT workshops may be an acceptable and effective trans‐diagnostic intervention for families presenting with complex histories, including caregiver exposure to childhood maltreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on antisocial behaviors is well established in the literature, limited research, if any, has analyzed the effect that ACEs have on behaviors at two different times. Limited research also has analyzed the effect that specific ACEs have on deviant behaviors after statistically controlling for respondents' protective factors. This study expands the literature in this area by analyzing in a sample of 555 adolescents the immediate and lagged effect that individual ACEs, and exposure to a number of ACEs, have on three deviant behaviors after controlling for respondents' protective factors not previously examined in ACEs studies. Results obtained from multivariate logistic regression models revealed that stealing things was predicted by being hit hard, being sexually molested, and having lived with a depressed or suicidal individual; and receiving threats over the internet predicted physical fights. Only being hit hard and living with an alcoholic had a lagged effect on smoking marijuana. Results also showed that the protective factors of school connection, anger management skills, and parental supervision reduced the effect of ACEs on the behaviors analyzed. Research, theory, and policy implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to assess the social validity of It Takes Two to Talk (ITTT) ®—the Hanen Program for parents, delivered to families of children with language delays in Valencia, Spain. Social validity was assessed using a multi-method approach—questionnaires (filled out by the parents) and a focus group—at different times during the program and at follow-up. The acceptability of the procedures used in ITTT® was positive in terms of the program format and the didactic resources used, such as the video-recordings of the parent–child interactions. Parents also expressed their overall satisfaction with the results regarding changes in their communication style and the advances observed in their child's language development. However, some suggestions were made to better meet the families' needs related to the length of the program and distribution of the contents, the time devoted to individual training, and the adaptation to the context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of the family talk intervention (FTI) and its acceptability to dependent children when a parent is cared for in palliative home care. The main goal of FTI is to increase family communication about the illness. The present paper derives from a pilot study and is based on 25 children's reports, involving both questionnaires and interviews, after participation. A majority of the children appreciated the structure and content of FTI. They felt seen, heard, and acknowledged by the interventionists and recommended FTI to other children in similar situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: One of the areas that has undergone change in Iran is childbearing. Statistical data show a decrease in the fertility rate in the last few decades; To the extent that in recent years the number of children of a mother is less than the required index in replacing generations (1/2 children) (1). This downward change in fertility rate indicates a change in the fertility of Iranian families and their desire for one child. On the other hand, having one child is the result of any factor or factors, creating a fundamental change not only in the demographic structure and socialization of the family, but also in various aspects of school performance and all aspects of the individual's personality in the future. There are many treatments for psychological disorders today. Each of these therapies may be stronger and more specialized than the other. Third wave therapies focus more on families and proper communication, because human beings are social beings and the type of communication style they have with others has a great impact on their mental health and that of their families (3). Among the important therapies for the component of marital satisfaction in families, especially mothers, is the Boeing therapy and the new ACT therapy, which largely complements cognitive-behavioral therapy. These treatments can increase family cohesion and raise children properly. Among these therapeutic interventions is Bowen's treatment, whose approach is family therapy. Bowen's family therapy approach deals with the family as an emotional unit and a network of intertwined relationships that must be analyzed from a different context or historical perspective to better understand it. Bowen believes that the whole family system is an emotional unit that cannot be separated from each other or successfully (5). In other words, the foundation of this theory is based on the concept of separation. Bowen family therapists believe that all the problems in family functioning, including marital dissatisfaction in the couple, which has a negative effect on the children and causes emotional divorce, arise from inappropriate family systems. Accordingly, the main goal of Bowen's therapies is to reduce chronic anxiety by being aware of the family's emotional system, focusing on changing oneself rather than trying to change others (6). On the other hand, ACT therapy is rooted in a philosophical theory called functional contextualism and is based on a research program on language and cognition called the theory of the framework of mental relationships (7). Despite the many studies on the effectiveness of ACT therapy on anxiety, depression, heart disease, marital conflict, marital satisfaction and many more; However, no research has been conducted on the effectiveness of ACT therapy on cognitive emotion regulation; Research has also been conducted on other variables in the field of Boeing family therapy; But so far little research has been done on marital satisfaction. Therefore, considering the significant effects of cognitive emotion regulation on many aspects of a person's development and interpersonal relationships, the need for such research and the application of its results is clearly understood. In order to compare the effectiveness of Boeing family therapy and ACT treatment on differentiation, the following hypotheses are proposed. Methods: This research was conducted by quasi-experimental method and using a pretest-post-test design with two experimental groups and a control group. The independent variables of the study were Boeing family therapy and ACT treatment method and the dependent variable was marital satisfaction. The dependent variable scale was collected in two stages: pre-test and post-test. The statistical population of this study was all single mothers of preschool children in Kermanshah in the spring of 1399. The sampling method was simple by using random sampling and assignment. Forty-five mothers of preschool children were randomly selected and due to the prevalence of coronary heart disease in online sessions, intervention sessions were held for them through online sessions. The subjects' marital satisfaction scale was measured using the Enrich Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire for every 45 people (pre-test). Then, by simple random sampling, individuals were assigned to three groups of 15 people (two experimental groups and one control group). The experimental group members separately participated in eight 1.5-hour weekly sessions of the Boeing Family Therapy and ACT, conducted by a trained therapist, and the control group was placed on a waiting list. Meetings were held at Setareh Preschool Center on a weekly basis for two months. Participants in the sessions expressed their willingness to cooperate to receive intervention and participate in the research. Analysis of covariance and Bonferroni post hoc test were used to analyze the data. Results: The Benferoni post hoc test is performed to compare between the control group, ACT and Bowen. As can be seen in Table 5, there is no significant difference in marital satisfaction scores between the ACT and Bowen groups, and therefore Bowen-based therapy and ACT-based therapy have the same effect on marital satisfaction. Conclusion: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Boeing family therapy and ACT treatment on cognitive emotion regulation of single mothers in preschool centers in Kermanshah. Stable and meaningful. Also, Bonferroni post hoc test showed that due to the differences in the comparison of these two interventional methods, the effectiveness of Buenie family therapy and ACT treatment on marital satisfaction is the same. The findings of the present study on the effectiveness of Boeing family therapy interventions on marital satisfaction are not unexpected and are consistent with the results of a large number of previous studies. The results showed that there was no significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores in the Boeing family therapy method and the ACT method on marital satisfaction. Couples in Buenos Aires believe that the phenomenon of marriage requires a high degree of adaptability. None of the couples feel safe and caring if there is no normal and acceptable level of adaptation in the marriage. In addition, marital intimacy requires a strong sense of self-awareness and self-differentiation. Couples with low levels of differentiation and high fusion are not able to understand their desires in the relationship, therefore, this process has a negative effect on their life satisfaction, when these couples with factors the change of role that reduces satisfaction, they face, they feel failure. Couples who are able to accredit themselves instead of seeking approval have a better working spirit in marriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic Autism-related Family Enabling (SAFE) is a new intervention for families of children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). SAFE responds to international and national recommendations for improved care and the reported needs of families. SAFE draws from Family Therapy techniques, Attachment Narrative Therapy and known preferences of individuals with autism. Twenty two families of a child with a diagnosis of ASD severity level 1 or 2 were recruited. The families attended five 3-hour sessions. Family members completed the Helpful Aspects of Therapy Questionnaire (HAT) after each session. Analysis of the HAT data revealed that adults and children experienced SAFE to be helpful which was elaborated in terms of the following themes: therapist as helping reflection, increased understanding, feeling closer, more confident to reflect and problem solve, improved communication and feeling less alone and isolated. The findings are discussed to consider how SAFE can be improved and implemented to offer support for families. SAFE is a good candidate to fill a gap in autism related care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the importance of Bowen family systems theory in the field of family therapy, there have been few studies examining family unit functioning. To fill this gap, a self‐report instrument, the Family Unit Functioning (FUF) questionnaire has been developed. The FUF questionnaire is a multidimensional measure specifically for adults (aged 25+) about nuclear and family‐of‐origin responses to challenges. Eighty‐six adults who were enrolled in Bowen theory training programs participated in an online questionnaire. The FUF assessment tests five dimensions of family unit functioning developed by Papero (2020). The investigators employed a confirmatory factor analysis, and the following analyses results indicate support for four of the five proposed FUF dimensional constructs: 1. resourcefulness; 2. connectedness and integration; 4. systems thinking; and 5. goal structure. However, the third construct, tension management, requires further validation using a larger data source to generate a more favourable result. The potential contribution of the FUF instrument for testing Bowen theory, use as a family psychotherapy assessment tool, and as an indicator of psychotherapeutic outcomes is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several effective interventions have been developed for families with multiple problems (FMP), but knowledge is lacking as to which specific practice and program elements of these interventions deliver positive outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess the degree to which practice and program elements (contents of and structure in which care is provided) contribute to the effectiveness of interventions for FMP in general and for subgroups with child and/or parental psychiatric problems, intellectual disabilities, or substance use. We performed a quasi‐experimental study on the effectiveness of practice and program elements provided in attested FMP interventions. Using self‐report questionnaires, we measured primary (child's internalizing and externalizing problems) and secondary (parental stress and social contacts) outcomes at the beginning, end, and three months thereafter. By means of Latent Profile Analysis, we identified groups of families receiving similar combinations of practice elements ("profiles"), and we calculated propensity scores. Next, we assessed how practice element profiles and program elements affected improvement in outcomes, and whether these effects were moderated by subgroup characteristics. We found three practice element profiles (explorative/supportive, action‐oriented, and their combination), which were equally effective. Regarding program elements, effects were enhanced by more frequent telephone contact between visits and more frequent intervision. Effectiveness of practice and program elements varied for specific FMP subgroups. Variations in the content of care for FMP do not affect its effectiveness, but variations in the structure of the care do. This finding can help to further improve effective interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to underline the importance of using a collaborative approach when designing and adapting a post diagnostic psychosocial intervention of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) for people with intellectual disability and dementia. Design/methodology/approach: As part of a service improvement, a manual of CST was adapted, for delivery in clinical practice. A qualitative co-production method allowed participants with a lived experience to provide regular feedback relating to the development of the adapted CST manual and intervention programme. This feedback was used to make continual development changes to the CST manual. Findings: The study demonstrated co-production with those who provide care is valuable in adapting psychosocial therapies for people with an intellectual disability and dementia. Additional findings identified the need for carer education in ageing, dementia care and the physical health needs for older people with intellectual disability. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that has used a co-production approach with families and carers in adapting a group therapy programme for people with an intellectual disability. This paper underlines the need for post diagnostic clinical interventions for people with dementia and those who provide care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Parents providing support to children in areas such as education, play, daily life, and psychology are beneficial to their social skills. • The positive association between their parental support behaviors and children's social skills are partially due to parental influence on children's self-competence. • We should pay attention to parental involvement and support when we provide intervention for children who have poor social skills and have difficulties in their social adaptation. This study explores the possible mediating role of children's self-competence between parental involvement and support and social skills. Five hundred and ninety-five children's parents and teachers responded to the questionnaire consisting of the following instruments: the Chinese Parental Involvement and Support Scale for Preschool Children (CPISSPC), Children's Social Skills Parent Assessment Questionnaire (CSSPAQ), and the Self-Competence Teacher Assessment Questionnaire (SCTAQ). The results indicated that: (1) children who received higher levels of parental involvement and support showed better self-competence and social skills; (2) the relationship from parental involvement and support to social skills was partially mediated by children's self-competence, which indicated that children received higher levels of parental involvement and support would develop better self-competence, and thus lead to the enhancement of their social skills. The findings of the present research indicate that increasing parental involvement and support could be an effective strategy of family intervention for children who are disadvantaged in social skills and risk poor social adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Family mindfulness‐based intervention (MBI) for child attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) targets child self‐control, parenting and parental mental health, but its effectiveness is still unclear. Methods: MindChamp is a pre‐registered randomised controlled trial comparing an 8‐week family MBI (called 'MYmind') in addition to care‐as‐usual (CAU) (n = 55) with CAU‐only (n = 48). Children aged 8–16 years with remaining ADHD symptoms after CAU were enrolled together with a parent. Primary outcome was post‐treatment parent‐rated child self‐control deficits (BRIEF); post hoc, Reliable Change Indexes were explored. Secondary child outcomes included ADHD symptoms (parent/teacher‐rated Conners' and SWAN; teacher‐rated BRIEF), other psychological symptoms (parent/teacher‐rated), well‐being (parent‐rated) and mindfulness (self‐rated). Secondary parent outcomes included self‐ratings of ADHD symptoms, other psychological symptoms, well‐being, self‐compassion and mindful parenting. Assessments were conducted at post‐treatment, 2‐ and 6‐month follow‐up. Results: Relative to CAU‐only, MBI+CAU resulted in a small, statistically non‐significant post‐treatment improvement on the BRIEF (intention‐to‐treat: d = 0.27, p =.18; per protocol: d = 0.33, p =.11). Significantly more children showed reliable post‐treatment improvement following MBI+CAU versus CAU‐only (32% versus 11%, p <.05, Number‐Needed‐to‐Treat = 4.7). ADHD symptoms significantly reduced post‐treatment according to parent (Conners' and SWAN) and teacher ratings (BRIEF) per protocol. Only parent‐rated hyperactivity impulsivity (SWAN) remained significantly reduced at 6‐month follow‐up. Post‐treatment group differences on other secondary child outcomes were consistently favour of MBI+CAU, but mostly non‐significant; no significant differences were found at follow‐ups. Regarding parent outcomes, significant post‐treatment improvements were found for their own ADHD symptoms, well‐being and mindful parenting. At follow‐ups, some significant effects remained (ADHD symptoms, mindful parenting), some additional significant effects appeared (other psychological symptoms, self‐compassion) and others disappeared/remained non‐significant. Conclusions: Family MBI+CAU did not outperform CAU‐only in reducing child self‐control deficits on a group level but more children reliably improved. Effects on parents were larger and more durable. When CAU for ADHD is insufficient, family MBI could be a valuable addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored counsellors' experiences with online therapy during the COVID-19 crisis, which presented an opportunity to examine how counsellors evaluated the drawbacks, benefits, and appropriateness of online therapy. Data collected through surveys from 114 professional counsellors, school counsellors, addiction counsellors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists in the United States were analysed. Results indicated the level of preparation for online therapy varied. The process was heavily impacted by technical functionality and perceived as more effective face-to-face. Counsellors found clients disengaged and distracted rather than comfortable and open. The effectiveness of online therapy was more strongly associated with client characteristics and treatment approaches than with diagnoses and treatment goals. Interpretations, clinical implications, and further research recommendations are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate intervention fidelity and explore participants' experiences and potential outcomes after participating in the intervention. Using a pretest post-test pilot study, 10 parentally bereaved families completed the three-session manual-based intervention with a family therapist. Sessions were audio-recorded. Therapists completed an adherence checklist to assess fidelity. Assessments via questionnaires and interviews occurred at one month post-intervention and via questionnaires at baseline and six months post-intervention. This study showed a high level of fidelity. The study shows preliminary evidence of the intervention's capacity to improve communication and relationships in parentally bereaved families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of family-based treatment (FBT) in outpatient settings has led to efforts to incorporate FBT principles into higher levels of care. The present study examined predictors of improvement in an FBT-based partial hospitalization program/intensive outpatient program (PHP/IOP) as measured by the Eating Disorder Examination–Questionnaire. Participants were 113 patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) or eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) consecutively participating in an FBT-based PHP/IOP. Multilevel modeling was used to investigate predictors for adolescents and young adults separately. Predictors considered included illness duration, previous hospitalization, hospitalization immediately prior to treatment, previous outpatient therapy, hospitalization during treatment, diagnosis, gaining 4 pounds in 4 weeks, and family status as time-invariant variables. Time-varying variables considered included depression symptoms and mothers'/fathers' ratings of parental self-efficacy and expressed emotion. For adolescents, depression by time and diagnosis by time interactions were statistically significant. At all levels of depression, adolescent patients with AN demonstrated greater reductions in eating disorder symptoms compared to patients with EDNOS. For young adults, depression and gaining 4 pounds in 4 weeks were significant predictors. The relationships for young adults were curvilinear such that, while lower eating disorder symptoms were found during treatment, these gains were not maintained at follow up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SYPRENE, an international digital systemic practice research network (PRN), was established in 2014 to fill the gap in practice‐based research on the effectiveness and efficiency of systemic therapies, starting with strategic therapies. This article reports initial outcome results. So far, twenty‐seven therapists from several countries using the MRI brief therapy strategic approach have collected data for a wide range of problem diagnoses. Data are reported here for 1,150 completed cases. The drop‐out rate was 19%. Significant improvement or complete problem resolution was reported by therapists in 80% and by patients in 90% of cases, with an average of 5.4 sessions and 5.3 months of treatment. Patients reported significant improvement on the GHQ‐12 with a large effect size, and 76% of cases were evaluated as reaching reliable and clinically significant change. Practitioner points: SYPRENE is a digital practice research networkOutcome data have been collected on 1,079 cases.Evidence supports the effectiveness of strategic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reflecting teams (RTs) are used in family therapy in order to introduce multiple perspectives and provide the 'difference that makes a difference'. Research suggests that reflections made by an RT may be a factor in the change process for family members. This study aims to further the understanding of the helpfulness of reflections in family therapy, thus supporting RTs to be as effective as possible. A quantitative longitudinal questionnaire method was used in order to collect data on family members' perceptions of the helpfulness of reflections made by an RT during their family therapy sessions. The results show that certain types of reflections are less helpful than others and the helpfulness of reflections was found to contribute to the change process for family members. The results are discussed along with reflections on the research process, limitations and recommendations for further research. Practitioner points: Some types of reflections made by the reflecting team are more helpful than others, so using these more helpful reflection types may optimise progress in family therapyReflections contribute to the change process in family therapy, therefore reflecting teams are valuable to include in family therapy sessions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Materialism is a value that reflects the principle that possessions are imperative in people's lives. Relational satisfaction is a partner's subjective assessment of a relationship. Prior literature has documented the negative relationship between materialism and life satisfaction. Method: The research question asks, if there an impact between living a materialistic lifestyle and relational satisfaction? Results: A hierarchical multiple regression found that materialist values are a statistically significant predictor of relational satisfaction. Discussion: MFTs can address materialistic tendencies within the couples that may be negatively influencing their relationship. Limitations, implications for clinical practice, and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to adult attachment theory, levels of insecure attachment—both anxious and avoidant—are associated with abilities to regulate emotions in a relational context. This study is the first to test emotion dysregulation as a mediator of the association between levels of insecure attachment and psychological aggression using dyadic data. Cross-sectional self-report data were collected from 124 couples presenting for couple or family therapy at an outpatient clinic. Path analysis was used to analyze an actor–partner interdependence mediational model. Results did not support emotion dysregulation mediating the association between level of anxious attachment and psychological aggression, or the association between level of avoidant attachment and psychological aggression. Results indicated a direct actor effect between level of anxious attachment and psychological aggression for women (β =.19, p =.045) and men (β =.19, p =.027). Direct partner effects between people's own levels of anxious attachment and their partners' psychological aggression for women (β =.28, p =.001) and men (β =.33, p =.001) were also identified. Results also indicated direct actor effects between anxious attachment and emotion dysregulation in both women (β =.51, p <.001) and men (β =.58, p <.001), whereas direct actor effects between avoidant attachment and emotion dysregulation were only identified among women (β =.32, p <.001). Results suggest that increasing partners' abilities to effectively manage their own maladaptive attachment-related behaviors may decrease levels of psychological aggression between partners. Limitations and clinical implications for couple therapists are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]