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Youth in the legal system (YILS) report high rates of substance use (SU), complex family/social relationships, and chronic trauma. The current study tested the feasibility of a prevention intervention, Trust-based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®), that leverages family systems by strengthening connection and providing emotional and instrumental guidance and support. TBRI includes the primary TBRI Intervention, comprised of Caregiver Training, Youth Training, and joint youth-caregiver Nurture Groups, and TBRI Family Coaching. With a sample of eight youth-caregiver dyads, the study adopted a mixed-methods design with a multi-informant approach to fulfill two goals: (1) testing TBRI as a prevention intervention for opioid use (OU), other SU, and related issues, and (2) testing the feasibility and acceptability of the TBRI Intervention by virtual delivery. Session attendance and completion rates demonstrated feasibility of recruiting and retaining participants and intervention fidelity. Preliminary results were reported on intervention outcomes, including OU and other SU, illegal activities, and educational attainment. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons showed decreases in youth negative urgency, conduct problems, and hyperactivity. Caregiver and staff participants responded favorably to TBRI and its virtual delivery; youth were more capable of expressing their needs and acknowledged the importance of families in preventing problems after discharge from secure facilities. While acknowledging sufficiency of intervention content, caregivers expressed the desire for more sessions. Results demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of a trauma-informed, attachment-based prevention intervention for youth and families in contact with the legal system. TBRI is a promising approach for preventing the initiation or escalation of OU among YILS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence indicates that family-based mind-body therapy programs (FMBTs) act as an important alternative for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment in the youth with minimal side-effects. Moreover, FMBTs contribute to improving the family functioning of those affected by ADHD. To summarize and analyze the benefits and mechanisms, an extensive literature search of the EBSCOhost, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify eligible studies. Fifteen studies published between 2010–2023 were reviewed. The included FMBTs were implemented with 850 children/adolescents and 996 parents/caregivers, of whom 201 parent couples attended the programs together with their children. All included FMBTs adopted mindfulness/meditation as the core practice to enhance the participants' mental focus and attention, and were designed for long-term engagement, with six including parent–child joint session(s). Positive changes were observed in both children and adolescents, including improvements in ADHD symptoms, behavioral problems, executive function, and school performance. Additionally, parents experienced positive changes in ADHD traits/symptoms, mental health, and parenting behaviors. Furthermore, FMBTs were found to enhance family functioning by delivering mindful strategies to family, restoring psychological capacity and interpersonal skills in family members, and improving parent–child relationships. The reviewed FMBTs demonstrated high levels of feasibility and participant satisfaction. The factors and issues potentially influencing the effectiveness and feasibility of FMBTs are also discussed. The findings indicate that FMBT holds promise as an ADHD treatment option in home settings. Future efforts may focus on optimizing the design of FMBTs to better address the diverse needs of families in varying circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family‐centred practice (FCP) has been suggested as a best practice for treating youth with emotional and behavioural difficulties in residential care. In this preregistered systematic review, we examined how FCP is operationalized and measured in residential youth care and which family outcomes are associated with FCP. Our systematic search in six databases identified 5784 articles. We analysed included articles by coding the operationalizations of FCP in the interventions and study measures. Further, we descriptively summarized relations between FCP and family outcomes. Thirteen articles met our inclusion criteria. In these articles, FCP was operationalized by five types of youth worker actions in interventions and was measured as five types of family involvement. Ten articles examined pre–post differences in family‐centred interventions. Only four articles analysed relations between FCP and a family outcome. Studies found some support for a positive association between FCP and whole‐family functioning, but overall, the association between FCP and family outcomes remains unclear. Our findings demonstrate that more research is needed that specifically examines different aspects of FCP and how they relate to family outcomes in residential youth care. Such studies can benefit from the conceptual model proposed for FCP in residential youth care interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women who have experienced conflict‐related sexual violence report significant long‐term effects, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and relationship difficulties. Research has demonstrated that maternal trauma is associated with children's behavioural difficulties and challenges in family functioning, such as impaired communication and harsh parenting. This pilot study is aimed at evaluating the preliminary effectiveness of family therapy for Kosovar mothers who experienced conflict‐related sexual violence in 1998–1999 and later developed PTSD and their children in improving family functioning and reducing behavioural difficulties in postwar times. Sixty‐four mothers were randomised to an intervention group or a waitlist control group. Data was collected during a screening phase, at baseline before intervention initiation, after the intervention group completed family therapy and once the waitlist control group received the intervention. Generalised linear mixed models were used to analyse group differences in family functioning and children's behaviours over time. At follow‐up, mothers in the intervention group reported improved family functioning. However, mothers in the waitlist control group reported significantly fewer behavioural difficulties than mothers in the intervention group before the control group had started family therapy. There was no significant interaction between group condition and time for child‐rated family functioning. Overall, this pilot study suggests that family therapy could be effective in reducing the effects of intergenerational trauma related to PTSD and conflict‐related sexual violence. Future research should evaluate the long‐term effects of family therapy to assess if immediate effects were maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing evidence that highlights the benefits of Family-oriented Therapeutic Conversations (FAM-TC) for the patient and the family; however, studies show variability regarding the content and the way these interventions are offered. This may hamper its further development in clinical practice. This review systematically maps the available literature on nurse-led FAM-TC and offers a solid synthesis of the characteristic, effectiveness, and feasibility of these interventions. A systematic search in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Trip (Turning Research Into Practice), BASE (Bielefeld Academic Search Engine), OATD (Open Access Theses and Dissertations), and ProQuest databases identified 37 studies. The interventions varied in interventionist nurses' profile, the intervention content, or the duration of the sessions offered. Most of the interventions showed beneficial effects on perceived family support and family functioning. This review offers suggestions for future studies, such as the inclusion of specific theoretical frameworks for intervention design, targeting both the patient and the family and offered by nurses with family nursing competency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although structural family theory proposes that family boundaries play a significant role in marital relationships, limited empirical evidence supports this theoretical model. The present study tested structural family theory by examining the complex associations between intergenerational boundaries and adult children's marital satisfaction, as well as the indirect effect of family adaptability and cohesion. A nonclinical convenience sample of individuals (333 participants, 168 females) married for at least one year was recruited. Participants provided self-report data on demographic variables, family boundaries, family cohesion and adaptability, and marital satisfaction. The internal intrusion score (intrusion by families of origin on the nuclear family) of intergenerational family boundaries was negatively associated with marital satisfaction, while the external intrusion score (intrusion by the nuclear family on families of origin) was positively associated with marital satisfaction. The effect of intergenerational family boundaries on marital satisfaction was exerted indirectly through family cohesion and adaptability. There was a significant association between intergenerational family boundaries and adult children's marital satisfaction. This study contributes to the conceptual framework of structural family theory, enabling family therapy practitioners to better understand the pathways through which intergenerational family boundaries impact adult children's marital satisfaction. Highlights: The findings shed light on the critical role that intergenerational family boundaries in marital relationships. The internal intrusion of intergenerational family boundaries was negatively associated with marital satisfaction, while the external intrusion demonstrated a positive association. The findings suggested a significant indirect association between family boundaries and marital satisfaction through family cohesion and family adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a dearth of research examining the relationship perspectives of Latina young people, a population that reports disproportionate rates of teen dating violence (TDV). This strengths-based, qualitative study utilized critical narrative inquiry to explore Latinas' relationship perspectives through in-depth interviews. Rigorous analysis revealed participants' desire for freedom from violence/abuse, open communication, independence, and egalitarian values in relationships, while reporting relationship models and media representation as their main influences on relationship perspectives. Our findings demonstrate that although patriarchal gender norms influence romantic relationships with Latinx cultures, many participants rejected traditional gendered power dynamics that can lead to violence, providing important information for practitioners seeking to promote healthy relationships among this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to expand knowledge of family-based intervention for people with ASD has been observed. However, there is a lack of study in Chinese context such as Hong Kong exploring the use of multifamily therapy (MFT) for adults with ASD. The primary aim of the present study is to assess the feasibility of a process-oriented MFT in promoting family relationships for young adults with high functioning-ASD (HF-ASD) and their parents. We also sought to explore the therapeutic process factors of MFT that were deemed helpful by the family participants in our study. Two types of MFT—one online, the other face-to-face—were conducted from March to August 2021 for families with adults with HF-ASD in Hong Kong. In total, 13 families participated in our multi-method study. Among the results, cross-family therapeutic alliance and treatment engagement were positively associated with enhanced family relationships among participants. Significant differences emerged in changes in the cross-family therapeutic alliance and family relationships between the online and face-to-face MFTs. Two themes regarding the helpful aspects of MFT emerged: first, having a cross-family interactional context and, second, the authentic engagement of people with HF-ASD. Overall, our results imply that MFT, in either online or face-to-face mode, could be a feasible family group psychotherapy for adults with HF-ASD and their parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This participatory research project highlighted the views and experiences of young people who are the brothers and sisters of children and young people who have experienced child sexual abuse. By working with young people who had experienced sexual abuse and their siblings, this practitioner research sought to give these young people a voice. The research involved a group process with young people who have experienced sexual abuse and have siblings, and one‐to‐one online consultations with the brothers and sisters of young people who have experienced abuse. All the young people spoke of their sibling and family relationships as unique and requiring unique responses to these relationships by services and health‐care professionals. Siblings' needs in the aftermath of a child sexual abuse discovery are often overlooked. This research describes how just as children who have experienced sexual abuse may feel anger, fear, guilt, shame, anxiety, and confusion, so do their siblings. Brothers and sisters of young people who have experienced sexual abuse describe significant relational trauma with intense emotional experiences of isolation, confusion, sadness, and anger. There is a real need to support young people and families to find words and develop capacities to talk about child sexual abuse ‐‐ a need to find supportive ways to speak about what has occurred and understand its impact on all. The study clearly demonstrated the significant level of need and impact on brothers and sisters of young people who have experienced sexual abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binge-spectrum eating disorders (EDs; bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder) often develop during adolescence and are associated with serious psychological and physical consequences. Current treatments for adolescents are highly behavioral in nature and while efficacious, many patients do not reach remission indicating that current treatments fail to target a key maintenance factor for EDs. One potential maintenance factor is poor family functioning (FF). In particular, high family conflict (e.g., arguing, critical comments) and low family cohesion (e.g., warmth, support) are known to maintain ED behaviors. Poor FF can (1) cause or exacerbate an adolescent's use of ED behaviors to cope with life stress and/or (2) inhibit parents from being a resource to adolescents during ED treatment. Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) is specifically designed to improve FF, and thus may be a promising adjunct to behavioral ED intervention strategies. ABFT, however, has not been tested in adolescents with binge-spectrum EDs. Thus, the current study is the first to evaluate a 16-week adapted ABFT treatment for adolescents with EDs (N = 8, Mage = 16.00, 71.43% female, 71.43% White) fusing together behavioral treatment for EDs with ABFT for highest possible impact. Eight families were treated in an open pilot trial to examine treatment feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy on FF and eating pathology. Overall, findings were promising. ABFT + B treatment was feasible and acceptable and showed preliminary evidence that it could improve FF and ED behaviors. Future research will test this intervention in a larger sample and further examine the role of FF in maintaining ED symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most models that analyse risk and protective factors during adolescence include the family system and family functionality as key elements. For this reason, Family Counselling Services play an important role in addressing adolescent problems. These services require quick and easy-to-apply assessment tools that integrate different dimensions of family functioning. To develop and validate a brief scale for use in Family Counselling Services, exploring and confirming its factorial structure and testing its psychometric properties. Confirmatory Factor Analysis using structural equation modeling. 441 family members in seven units. Results: A 5-factor structure was confirmed, with a good fit. All the Average Variance Extracted values were higher than the Maximum Shared Squared Variance values. The results confirm the structure of the Family Functioning Scale-Madrid. In addition, the scale demonstrates adequate psychometric properties and stable structure during two evaluation periods with different samples. The instrument is considered reliable and consistent for of assessing family intervention carried out in Family Counselling Services. Highlights: What is known so far? Family system and functionality has a relevant role as a risk and/or protective factor with respect to maladaptive behaviours. One common demand of Family Counselling Services is to be able to count on assessment protocols and instruments adapted to their target population. Available evidence provides few instruments that assess family functioning in an agile way. What does this article contribute? This study provides a brief, reliable instrument with optimal psychometric properties. Family Functioning Scale-Madrid assesses specific dimensions of family change in counseling. Theoretical structure of Family Functioning Scale-Madrid aligns with the Circumplex and Family Stress models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study explores family functioning and its associations with adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD), comparing its dynamics with healthy counterparts. Family functioning (cohesion, flexibility, communication, and satisfaction), maternal depressive symptoms, postpartum depression history, parental divorce, parental alcohol abuse, and the adolescents' cognitive flexibility, are examined. The research incorporates the perspectives of both adolescents and mothers. Methods: The sample includes 63 mother-teenager dyads in the clinical group and 43 in the control group. Instruments encompass the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES IV), Children's Depression Inventory (CDI-2), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), The Brixton Spatial Anticipation Test, and structured interviews. Results: Families of adolescents with MDD exhibit lower flexibility, cohesion, communication, and overall satisfaction. Depressed adolescents display reduced cognitive flexibility. Discrepancies were observed between adolescents' and mothers' perspectives as associated with adolescents' MDD. Teenagers emphasized the severity of maternal depressive symptoms, while mothers highlighted the importance of family cohesion and flexibility. Conclusions: This study emphasizes a holistic strategy in addressing adolescent depression, including family-based assessment and therapy. Screening for maternal depressive symptoms is identified as valuable. Cognitive flexibility also needs to be addressed during therapy for depression in adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy family functioning is important for successful adolescent development and serves as a protective factor against adolescent behavior problems. When adolescent behavior problems exist, family therapy can help promote warmth and cohesiveness in the family, which results in healthier family functioning. Furthermore, family therapy is the gold standard for treating adolescent behavior problems. However, most of the research on family therapy for adolescents are with manualized models that have difficulty being implemented in usual care. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of family therapy in improving family functioning as compared to individually-based treatments, all of which were offered in usual care settings. Participants were 205 adolescents and their caregivers living in a large, metropolitan area. Data were collected at four time points (baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up) and analyzed using latent growth curve modeling. Family functioning was assessed by separate caregiver and adolescent reports of cohesion and conflict subscales on the Family Environment Scale and caregiver-reported parent-adolescent domain of the Stress Index for Parents of Adolescents. Across treatments, caregivers reported improvement in family cohesion and decreases in family conflict and parental stress. Similarly, adolescents across treatments reported a decrease in family conflict but no concomitant increase in family cohesion. Overall, there was no between-treatment differences in overall change with both conditions showing improvement in family functioning. Results indicate that both family therapy and non-family treatment in usual care for adolescent behavior problems are effective for improving family functioning, suggesting that existing treatment services are viable options for adolescent behavioral health when offered under monitored conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aimed to assess families' resource use and to explore parents' experiences of the Sofia model, a family-based intervention for parents with substance use disorder (SUD). Methods: Interviews were conducted with 14 parents. Data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. The resource use assessment was estimated based on data for 40 families referred to the Sofia model and 30 reference families. Results: Parents described difficulties accessing family support and differences in received services in the Sofia model. The intervention lacked focus on the children. Families' communication regarding substance use did not increase. Resource use estimations indicated larger use of services by families in the Sofie model, but little co-parent and child-specific support. Conclusions: The intervention failed its aim to focus on the children, and enhance communication about SUD. Parents voiced a need for more long-term comprehensive support for their children and themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Family‐systems interventions have been proposed as one way of supporting families of people with an intellectual disability (ID) or who are autistic. This systematic review aimed to summarise what family‐systems interventions have been studied with this population, what evidence there is for their effectiveness and families' experiences of the interventions. Methods: The review was preregistered on PROSPERO (CRD42022297516). We searched five electronic databases, identified 6908 records and screened 72 full texts. Study quality was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, and a narrative synthesis was used. Results: We identified 13 eligible articles with 292 participating families. Most studies reported positive effects of the interventions on wellbeing and family relationships, and families reported positive experiences. However, research quality was poor and there are no any sufficiently powered randomised controlled trials demonstrating family‐systems interventions' effectiveness for this population. Conclusions: There is a need for higher‐quality research to establish whether family‐systems interventions are beneficial for families of people who have an ID or who are autistic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a global need for interventions that support the wellbeing of people living with dementia and their family care partners. Studies show that shared musical activities may achieve this. Our systematic review aimed to synthesise existing research exploring dyads' experiences of shared musical activities across a range of contexts. Method: From 31 October 2020 we searched PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL Complete, EMBASE, RILM, Web of Science Core Collection, Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses for studies published up to 14 April 2021, and hand searched five music therapy journals plus citation lists. Thirteen qualitative studies reporting on dyads' experiences and perspectives of shared musical activities across a range of settings were included. Studies with mixed populations or mixed modality interventions were excluded. We analysed the final studies using thematic synthesis, engaging in reflective discussions and reflexivity throughout. The quality of included studies was assessed using the CASP qualitative checklist. This study is registered on PROSPERO: CRD42020169360. Results: Six themes were identified from 13 studies: 1) shared musical activities support wellbeing for people living with dementia, 2) music groups become ecological systems, 3) shared musical activities are experienced differently over time, 4) shared musical activities are experienced by me and as we, 5) music is a supportive structure, and 6) the thread of connection (an overarching theme). A GRADE-CERQual assessment found moderate to high confidence in these findings. Findings informed the development of the Contextual Connection Model of Health Musicking. Conclusion: Shared musical activities foster experiences of connection for people living with dementia and their family care partners. Experiences of connection are supported through professional facilitation and the structural aspects of music, and are influenced by the setting and changes over time. These experiences of connection play a central role in supporting dyadic and individual wellbeing. These findings are largely relevant to a western cultural context; future research should seek to include more diverse cultural experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of intense specialised multi‐family therapy (ISMFT) for 111 multi‐stressed families, and the therapeutic alliance as a possible predictor of outcome, were examined. A repeated measures design was used, where changes in all ISMFT phases (preparation, multi‐family therapy and follow‐up) were assessed and compared for both mothers and fathers. Evidence was found for improved family functioning after the therapy period, which was maintained at 3 months follow‐up, although the multi‐stressed families still functioned in the problematic range. The therapy did however not decrease parenting stress, or did so only temporarily. Observations of the therapeutic alliance with the System for Observing Family Therapy Alliances (SOFTA) scales indicated that high therapist engagement was related to positive therapy outcomes, both at the start of therapy and later. High family engagement also predicted therapy effectiveness, but only at the start of therapy. The present study shows that solution‐focused multi‐family therapy at least seems to provide the first step in alleviating problems in multi‐stressed families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies investigating services for families experiencing complex and multiple problems have emphasized the need for more child‐centred support. The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate whether providing child‐centred services (Child and Youth Coaching) combined with family‐focused services (Ten for the Future) is effective for children growing up in families experiencing complex and multiple problems. Children's psychosocial skills, emotional and behavioural problems, and the quality of their pedagogical environment were measured at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Parent and coach reports of children indicated for Child and Youth Coaching (n = 57) and nonindicated children (n = 18) were analysed using repeated measures multilevel models. Both parents and coaches reported improved psychosocial skills of children, but changes were only significant for coach reports. In both reports, no significant decrease in emotional and behavioural problems was observed for both indicated and nonindicated children. Many children still experienced considerable problems at case closure. Furthermore, no significant improvement in quality of the pedagogical environment was observed in both groups. Given the limitations in this study, more research is needed to identify whether these findings can be replicated and attributed to the Child and Youth Coaching and Ten for the Future programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, mental health care has largely transferred its services to online platforms, using videoconferencing (VC) or teletherapy. Within the field of family therapy, however, there is little evidence on the feasibility of using VC, especially when working with whole families at the edge of care. Objective: This study investigated the feasibility of remote Functional Family Therapy (FFT), using a mixed-method approach. Method: Study 1 consisted of semi-structured interviews with 23 FFT professionals (18 female) about their experience of providing remote FFT during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study 2 included monitoring data of 209 FFT clients (46% female, Mage = 14.00) who participated in FFT during the pandemic. We compared families who received mainly in-person, mainly remote or a mix of remote and in-person on client-reported alliance, drop-out, therapist-rated outcomes, and treatment intensity using MANCOVA's and chi-square tests. Results: In Study 1 two themes emerged around experienced challenges, namely 'Feeling in control' and 'Engagement and alliance'. Two other themes emerged around adaptations, namely 'Being more on top' and 'Connecting in different ways'. In Study 2, we found that the therapeutic alliance was not related to using VC. Also, families had less between-session contact during the Engagement and Motivation Phase when receiving mainly VC, but had more sessions and longer therapy when receiving a mix of in-person and remote therapy. Conclusions: The current study suggests that providing systemic family teletherapy to families on the edge of care is feasible. Further development of systemic family teletherapy is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family relationships are protective against poor behavioral health for youth. Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) graduate programs are critical for readying the behavioral workforce to work systemically with youth and their families. This study identified the elements of a CFT masters training process that readied students to work with youth. Qualitative description with focus group interviews of three cohorts of master's students (n = 14) was used. Thematic analysis identified five themes demonstrating the primacy of early experiences for fostering safety, reflective and active training approaches, multicultural and sexuality topics, and pragmatics of talking to physicians and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The level of support from family members—and degree of family dysfunction—can shape the onset and course of maternal postpartum depression (PPD). In spite of this, family members are typically not included in treatments for PPD. Developing and disseminating intervention approaches that involve partners or other family members may lead to more effective treatment for perinatal women and potentially promote improved family functioning and wellbeing of multiple members of the family. To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a family-based treatment for PPD, we conducted an open pilot trial with 16 postpartum mother-father couples (N = 32 participants) and measured session attendance, patient satisfaction, and changes in key symptoms and functional outcomes. At the time of enrollment, mothers were 1–7 months postpartum, met criteria for major depressive disorder, and had moderate-severe symptoms of depression. Treatment involved 10–12 sessions attended by the mother along with an identified family member (all fathers) at each session. Findings provide strong support for the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention: session attendance rates were high, and participants evaluated the treatment as highly acceptable. Improvements in depression were observed among both mothers and fathers, and family functioning improved by the endpoint across several domains. Symptomatic and functional gains were sustained at follow-up. The current findings provide support for a larger randomized trial of family-based treatment for PPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dance therapy and dance theatre are innovative interventions for patients with a chronic disease such as cancer. In this pilot study we investigate both how dance theatre as a supportive intervention may influence the mental health and quality of life of male cancer survivors and how participants experience this type of intervention. We used a pre-post design with two points of measurement based on a mixed-methods approach including quantitative and qualitative data. The sample (N = 16) included male cancer survivors and men indirectly affected by cancer. The results show that the level of distress and depressive symptoms slightly improved during the project. Anxiety symptoms showed a significant reduction. The results of the interviews revealed positive effects of the dance project in terms of coping with late effects, physical strengthening, emotional disclosure and developing personal empowerment and increased self-esteem. The results are preliminary and encourage validation in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the main causes of disability. Since individuals with TBI experience many problems in their daily life, they must be highly supported. Regarding the nature of their problems, their caregivers suffer from many psychological problems. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of group acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on the family function, experiential avoidance, and anxiety of the TBI patients' caregivers. Methods: The current study was a randomized clinical trial with waiting list and intervention groups. Forty caregivers of TBI patients who referred to Kashan's Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Iran, since 2017 until 2019 were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 20) and the waiting list control (n = 20) groups. Both the groups completed a demographic information questionnaire, the Family Assessment Device, the Experiential Avoidance in Caregiving Questionnaire, and the anxiety subscale of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale in pretest, posttest, 3-month follow-up, and 6-month follow-up. Results: The results of repeated measures analysis of variance showed that ACT program can significantly decrease the anxiety, experiential avoidance, and most of the dimensions of the family functions (P < 0.005). Conclusion: ACT could be utilized to improve the family functions and reduce the experiential avoidance and the anxiety of the TBI patients' caregivers. This trial is registered with the Registry of Clinical Trials: "IRCT20190704044100N1." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore long-term social assistance recipients´ experiences with family group conferences (FGC). Fifteen Norwegian long-term (> 6 months) social assistance recipients whom had arranged an FGC were interviewed. There were nine men and six women, age 24–64 years. The findings show that the FGC may have therapeutic features when applied in a social service context. Three features associated with family/network therapy were found: Self-disclosure, dialogic communication and improved family relationships. The possible therapeutic function of the FGC when applied for adults is potent in a social work context, as solving family conflicts and/or improving family interaction may be a prerequisite in order to achieve other desired changes among many long-term social assistance recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to explore, using first-hand accounts, adolescents' understandings of why they self-harmed, what their responses to self-harm were, and how they resisted or ceased self-harm. Secondary analysis was conducted of video-recorded family therapy sessions from the Self-harm Intervention: Family Therapy (SHIFT Trial). Recordings of 22 participants, approximately 170 hours of footage, formed the dataset. The study developed 5 core themes: (1) Distress can be difficult to convey; (2) Self-harm and suicidal ideation: a complex relationship; (3) Self-harm as a form of communication; (4) Self-harm to manage emotions; and (5) Moving forward. Self-harm was a means of communicating distress as well as managing emotions. Accounts highlighted the complex interplay between self-harm and suicidal intent. Encouragingly, many participants described being able to resist self-harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many children across cultures are victims of physical abuse, few treatment models target these children and their parents. In Sweden, Combined Parent–Child Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for families at risk for child physical abuse has been successfully used according to pretreatment and posttreatment studies. However, few studies have explored how physically abused children experience treatment. This study includes 20 physically abused children aged 9–17 who completed Combined Parent–Child Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Children had a positive overall impression of the treatment and highlighted addressing the abuse, as well as processing their experiences as particularly essential. Children described a positive transformation in their family life as a result of treatment, including violence cessation and bonding among family members. Children experienced the intervention as inclusive and child‐friendly. The implications of the promising findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ensure close adherence to the contents of a family-based cognitive-behavioural programme, and maintain a high standard of quality in its implementation, it is important that practitioners’ attitudes and beliefs regarding family skills coincide with those of the programme. This paper describes and analyses (observed) potential changes in these beliefs, after training courses held prior to the application of a prevention programme for families: the Family Competence Programme. A questionnaire was devised to examine practitioners’ beliefs regarding family skills; and completed both before and after the training course. The results point to significant changes in family dynamics, realistic expectations and active listening. Thus, it can be demonstrated that preliminary training courses promote practitioner attitudes and beliefs which are more coherent with a subsequent programme’s approach. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD) report lower quality of life (QoL) than adolescents with other psychiatric disorders. This study compared the efficacy of family-focused therapy for adolescents (FFT-A) plus pharmacotherapy to brief psychoeducation (enhanced care, or EC) plus pharmacotherapy on self-rated QoL in adolescents with BD over 2 years.Methods: Participants were 141 adolescents (mean age: 15.6±1.4yr) with BD I or II who had a mood episode in the previous 3 months. Adolescents and parents were randomly assigned to (1) FFT-A, given in 21 sessions in 9 months of psychoeducation, communication enhancement training, and problem-solving skills training, or (2) EC, given in 3 family psychoeducation sessions. Study psychiatrists provided patient participants with protocol-based pharmacotherapy for the duration of the study. QoL was assessed with The KINDLRQuestionnaire (Ravens-Sieberer and Bullinger, 1998) during active treatment (baseline to 9 months) and during a post-treatment follow-up (9-24 months).Results: The two treatment groups did not differ in overall QoL scores over 24 months. However, adolescents in FFT-A had greater improvements in quality of family relationships and physical well-being than participants in EC. For quality of friendships, the trajectory during active treatment favored EC, whereas the trajectory during post-treatment favored FFT-A.Limitations: We were unable to standardize medication use or adherence over time. Quality of life was based on self-report rather than on observable functioning.Conclusions: A short course of family psychoeducation and skills training may enhance relational functioning and health in adolescents with BD. The effects of different psychosocial interventions on peer relationships deserves further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family plays an important role in health and illness, and preparing the nurses to assess and improve the family functioning and relationship based on a theoretical framework is of critical importance. This randomized controlled trial was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of Bowen system theory on marital conflict in the family nursing practice. A total of 42 couples referring to the family court of Shiraz, Iran were randomly assigned to either the intervention (receiving eight 90-minute sessions of Bowen systemic family therapy) or the control group (receiving no interventions). Outcomes were measured before, after and after one month of the follow up by marital conflict questionnaire and analyzed using repeated measure ANOVAs and t-test. The study results revealed no statistically significant differences between the study groups regarding the total marital conflict scores (t= 2.8,p= .935) or any of the seven subscales of conflict before the intervention (p> .05). However, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in this regard immediately and one month after the intervention (p< .05). The results demonstrated a significant difference between the intervention and control groups regarding the conflict scores and its subscales during the three study periods and groups (F= 79.43,p< .001). This study highlighted the importance of applying Bowen systemic family therapy by nurses in decreasing marital conflicts. Similar studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are recommended to be conducted on the issue. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This narrative literature review focuses on family factors that might be amenable to intervention using family therapy (n=126). Domains of interest include parent/child interactions, inter‐parental relationships, child characteristics, parental characteristics, wider system factors, treatment needs and moderators. The focus of family‐orientated treatment with this population should focus on maximizing cohesion, attachment, adaptability, family support, parental warmth while reducing maltreatment, scapegoating and moderating parental control. Close working relationships with child protection services and schools represent additional opportunities. Practitioner points: Over and above any inherited risk, a range of family interactional factors are strongly associated with self‐harming behaviours in young peopleTherapy has the potential to make a positive difference by focusing on enhancing family cohesion and adaptability, whilst reducing discord and violence. Discussions that enhance perceived parental support and warmth may be particularly helpfulTherapists should attend to issues of perceived difference and potential victimization (bullying, gender orientation and identity, ethnic minority status) as these may play an important role in self‐harm 和青少年自残相关的家庭因素：一个叙述性的回顾 摘要: 这个叙述性的文献回顾集中在用于家庭治疗干预中的可能被修复的家庭因素（数量=126）。这里涉及到父母/儿童的交互, 父母之间的关系, 儿童的特点, 家长的特点, 更广泛的系统特点, 干预需要和催化因素。针对这一群体的家庭为导向的干预应该集中在最大化凝聚力, 依恋, 适应性, 家庭支持, 父母温暖, 与此同时减少错误对待, 迁怒, 和调解家庭的控制。和儿童保护服务和学校的亲密工作关系呈现了额外的机会。 对实践者有用的几点建议: 除了遗传的风险外, 一系列的家庭互动因素和青年人的自残行为有很强烈的相关。治疗有潜力促使积极转变的发生, 这可以通过加强家庭的凝聚力和适应性, 同时减少不和谐和暴力。对加强感知到的家长的支持和温暖的讨论可能尤其有帮助治疗师应该关注感知到的不同和潜在的欺骗（欺凌, 性别取向和认知, 少数民族身份）因为这些可能对自残行为的发生起到了作用。 关键词：自残, 儿童和青少年精神健康, 家庭事实 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite ongoing prevention efforts, young gay and bisexual males continue to engage in sexual behaviors that place them at disproportionately high risk for HIV infection. Parental monitoring and parent–child communication have been found to be associated with low-risk sexual behavior among heterosexual youth, but the role of family interactions for gay and bisexual male youth remains largely unexplored. To help address this gap, an exploratory study of recorded and coded interactions among 35 gay and bisexual youth and their parents was done to begin to identify which types of family interactions were associated with youth high-risk sexual behavior. Parent–son communication that was mutual and low in conflict was found to be most prevalent among youth with the fewest reported high-risk sexual behaviors. These preliminary findings, along with a case example, demonstrate how social workers can coach families to engage in productive and potentially influential interactions that reduce HIV-related sexual behaviors among young gay and bisexual males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we draw from the methods of conversation analysis to illustrate how different alliances that form the ‘web of relationships’ of family therapy are ruptured and subsequently repaired. By focusing on the interactional practices of a master therapist, Dr Salvador Minuchin, we examine how he effectively manages a disaffiliative episode that occurred at the very beginning of a therapy session. In particular, we show how Minuchin's practices function to re‐establish consensus and a positive alliance and to endorse the mother's parental authority (in a context where she claims to be helpless and lack agency). Minuchin thus uses a range of alliance building strategies to join with the family by sharing their distress and, at the same time, moves the conversation forward in a therapeutically‐driven direction to facilitate a restructuring of familial roles and relations. Practitioner points: Find ways to disagree with clients’ position without generating stress or rupture in the allianceVerbal and nonverbal discursive moves to join with clients can create an inclusive context for the therapyDiscursive strategies can endorse client authority and counter a self‐deprecating client stance [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing clients' satisfaction with family therapy interventions has important practical and theoretical implications. This article presents findings on client satisfaction after participating in functional family therapy (FFT), which addresses youths at risk of delinquency behaviour and communication problems in the family. Qualitative interviews and quantitative research methods are employed to compare programme perceptions with standardized therapeutic outcomes. The data include a parent or guardian interview, a youth interview, a services tracking form and the initial and discharge strengths and needs assessment (SNA). We observed high levels of satisfaction with FFT, yet satisfaction with family therapy and therapists was higher among parents. Parents uniformly indicated satisfaction on six Likert scale items while the youths were satisfied only on one. We found five significant differences between the parents' and youths' responses. The parents reported greater trust in therapists, more engagement in family therapy and more positive perception of changes in family dynamics following the intervention. The two scales, satisfaction with the programme and satisfaction with the therapists, were correlated only for parents. However, both scales were correlated with some items on our outcome variable: the changes in the SNA, for parents and young people. We assessed predictors of satisfaction and found that satisfaction with therapy was inversely related to the number of sessions for youth. For parents, the only common predictor of both satisfaction with the therapist and satisfaction with the programme were the changes on the caregivers' strengths scale. The answers to the open‐ended questions indicated that, although both parents and adolescents valued the improvements in communication patterns, the youth seemed to be especially attuned to changes in this area. Researchers should continue assessing satisfaction with family therapy and study the relationship between satisfaction and the intervention's outcomes. Our findings suggest also the importance of including youth in assessing satisfaction. Practitioner points: Assessing feedback from both, parents and youth, during and after an intervention can assist in providing more effective treatment.Youth might benefit from a shorter therapy and those who are mandated should be given more voice in an intervention.The strengths and needs assessment is a clinical tool that is useful in evaluating the intervention's outcomes.Functional family therapy improves communication skills among family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SCORE (Systemic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation) is a 40-item questionnaire for completion by family members 12 years and older to assess outcome in systemic therapy. This study aimed to investigate psychometric properties of two short versions of the SCORE and their responsiveness to therapeutic change. Data were collected at 19 centers from 701 families at baseline and from 433 of these 3-5 months later. Results confirmed the three-factor structure (strengths, difficulties, and communication) of the 15- and 28-item versions of the SCORE. Both instruments had good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. They also showed construct and criterion validity, correlating with measures of parent, child, and family adjustment, and discriminating between clinical and nonclinical cases. Total and factor scales of the SCORE-15 and -28 were responsive to change over 3-5 months of therapy. The SCORE-15 and SCORE-28 are brief psychometrically robust family assessment instruments which may be used to evaluate systemic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined (1) whether families of clinic-referred anxiety-disordered children are characterized by anxiety-enhancing parenting and family functioning, compared to control families; (2) whether family cognitive-behavioral therapy (FCBT) for anxiety-disordered children decreases anxiety-enhancing parenting and family functioning more so than child-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CCBT); (3) whether anxiety-disordered children benefit more from therapy in the long-term when parents display less anxiety enhancing parenting and family functioning. The referred sample consisted of 104 anxiety-disordered children (8-18 year-olds) and their families, randomized to FCBT or CCBT. The control sample consisted of 44 families from the general population. At pretreatment (referred and control sample), posttreatment, 3-months and 1-year follow up (referred sample), children's anxiety disorders were assessed by the ADIS-C/P. Child and parents' anxiety symptoms, parenting behaviors (autonomy granting, overprotection, rejection) and family functioning (relational functioning, family control) were assessed with questionnaires. Parent-reported autonomy granting and family relational functioning were lower in the referred versus control families. Child-reported autonomy granting was higher in the referred families. Anxiety-enhancing parenting/family functioning decreased after FCBT and CCBT, with no differences between treatments. Good family relational functioning at posttreatment predicted more improvement on anxiety measurements at the long term for adolescents, but not for school-aged children. The generally hold idea that certain parenting styles and family functioning cause child anxiety, and need to be specifically targeted in the treatment of anxious children, is not supported. Good relational functioning within adolescent's families however is associated with better long-term outcome on anxiety, suggesting that families can support the maintenance of treatment gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a description and evaluation of the Home Free Program, a multi-component trauma-sensitive family reunification intervention based in a youth empowerment framework, which provides family-based crisis intervention and free transportation home for runaway youth. A mixed-methods evaluation was conducted with 107parents/guardians whose children (ages 14-20) had run away from home. Qualitative data revealed changes in family interactional patterns related to physical reunification, clearer expectations, increased communication, improved communication, and increased awareness of differing perspectives. Quantitative data revealed decreases in family conflict, increases in family expressiveness, improvements in family dynamics, and improvements in youths' health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This pilot feasibility study provided a preliminary test of a community-partnered intervention that targeted engaging parents and improving parent functioning. This intervention was combined with the Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), allowing for a comparison of the CBITS-as-usual (CBITS) with the CBITS-plus-family treatment component (CBITS + Family). This study used a quasi-experimental design, capitalizing on ongoing CBITS implementation within a school system. A total of 19 parent–student dyads participated in CBITS groups and 21 parent–student dyads participated in CBITS + Family groups. Parents and students under both conditions completed pre- and posttreatment measures. Participants were from low-income, predominantly Latino families. Children were 59% female with an average age of 11.83 years. Parents who received the family treatment component reported higher satisfaction and attended a greater proportion of sessions than parents who received CBITS. In addition, parents who received the family treatment component reported improvements in primary control coping, secondary control coping, family loyalty and closeness, as well as decreases in involuntary engagement and family passive appraisal. Parents who received the family component also showed more warmth, monitoring, and less inconsistency at post-intervention. Results suggest that the family component may contribute to improved parent functioning that could benefit children in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Family functioning impairment is widely reported in the eating disorders literature, yet few studies have examined the role of family functioning in treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN). This study examined family functioning in two treatments for adolescent AN from multiple family members' perspectives. Method Participants were 121 adolescents with AN ages 12-18 from a randomized-controlled trial comparing family-based treatment (FBT) to individual adolescent-focused therapy (AFT). Multiple clinical characteristics were assessed at baseline. Family functioning from the perspective of the adolescent and both parents was assessed at baseline and after 1 year of treatment. Full remission from AN was defined as achieving both weight restoration and normalized eating disorder psychopathology. Results In general, families dealing with AN reported some baseline impairment in family functioning, but average ratings were only slightly elevated compared to published impaired functioning cutoffs. Adolescents' perspectives on family functioning were the most impaired and were generally associated with poorer psychosocial functioning and greater clinical severity. Regardless of initial level of family functioning, improvements in several family functioning domains were uniquely related to full remission at the end of treatment in both FBT and AFT. However, FBT had a more positive impact on several specific aspects of family functioning compared to AFT. Discussion Families seeking treatment for adolescent AN report some difficulties in family functioning, with adolescents reporting the greatest impairment. Although FBT may be effective in improving some specific aspects of family dynamics, remission from AN was associated with improved family dynamics, regardless of treatment type. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:81-90) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The desire to understand relationships is a passion shared by professionals in research, clinical, and educational settings. Questionnaires are frequently used in each of these settings for a multitude of purposes-such as screening, assessment, program evaluation, or establishing therapeutic effectiveness. However, clinical issues arise when a couple's answers on questionnaires do not match clinical judgment or lack clinical utility, while statistical problems arise when data from both partners are put into analyses. This article introduces the use of geospatial statistics to analyze couple data plotted on a two-dimensional 'relational map.' Relationship maps can increase assessment sensitivity, track treatment progress, and remove statistical issues typically associated with couple data. This article briefly introduces core assumptions of spatial models, illustrates the use of spatial models in creating a relational landscape of divorce, offers suggestions for the use of relational maps in a clinical setting, and explores future research ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol and substance dependency are complex, problematic phenomena, which are growing worldwide. In particular, drug use and abuse among young people is a significant concern. Although addiction presents as a problem of dependent individuals, families are also profoundly affected by the family member’s addiction. In this narrative literature review, we review published research from 1937 to 2014 to capture a narrative and historical perspective of addiction and family. We condense and analyze the experiences of parents with alcohol- and drug-dependent children, to emphasize the need for a more specific, in-depth exploration of mothers’ experiences. Such exploration may advance nurses’ understandings of individual, familial, and social complexities of parenting an addicted child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall aim of this multi-informant study was to examine pre–post treatment changes, and maintenance at 3-year follow-up, for multiple dimensions of the family context, for a modular intervention that has previously demonstrated significant clinical improvements in child behavior and maintenance of these effects. Family outcomes included parenting practices (i.e., positive parenting, harsh/inconsistent parenting, psychological/physical aggression), parent functioning (i.e., symptoms of psychopathology, self-efficacy), and family functioning (i.e., family adaptability/cohesion, social support, negative life events). The sample comprised 139 families with children ages 6 to11 who participated in a modular treatment protocol for early-onset oppositional-defiant disorder or conduct disorder that has already been associated with improved child behavior outcomes, delivered in a nonrandomized comparison of research clinic and community settings. Improvement from pre- to post-treatment included indicators of maternal psychological distress and negative parenting practices (e.g., corporal punishment, inconsistent discipline, psychological aggression). Psychological aggression significantly increased following treatment termination; corporal punishment continued to decrease during the 3-year follow-up period. Results are discussed in the context of treatment effects in the broader family context and potential needs for continued intervention research and development. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The study examined the efficacy of nonrecurring family constellation seminars on psychological health. We conducted a monocentric, single-blind, stratified, and balanced randomized controlled trial (RCT). After choosing their roles for participating in a family constellation seminar as either active participant (AP) or observing participant (OP), 208 adults (M = 48 years, SD = 10; 79% women) from the general population were randomly allocated to the intervention group (IG; 3-day family constellation seminar; 64 AP, 40 OP) or a wait-list control group (WLG; 64 AP, 40 OP). It was predicted that family constellation seminars would improve psychological functioning (Outcome Questionnaire OQ-45.2) at 2-week and 4-month follow-ups. In addition, we assessed the impact of family constellation seminars on psychological distress and motivational incongruence. The IG showed significantly improved psychological functioning (d = 0.45 at 2-week follow-up, p = .003; d = 0.46 at 4-month follow-up, p = .003). Results were confirmed for psychological distress and motivational incongruence. No adverse events were reported. This RCT provides evidence for the efficacy of family constellation in a nonclinical population. The implications of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children's engagement and disengagement, adherence and non-adherence, compliance and non-compliance in healthcare have important implications for services. In family therapy mere attendance to the appointments is no guarantee of engaging in the treatment process and as children are not the main initiators of attendance engaging them through the process can be a complex activity for professionals. Through a conversation analysis of naturally occurring family therapy sessions we explore the main discursive strategies that children employ in this context to passively and actively disengage from the therapeutic process and investigate how the therapists manage and attend to this. We note that children competently remove themselves from therapy through passive resistance, active disengagement, and by expressing their autonomy. Analysis reveals that siblings of the constructed 'problem' child are given greater liberty in involvement. We conclude by demonstrating how therapists manage the delicate endeavour of including all family members in the process and how engagement and re-engagement are essential for meeting goals and discuss broader implications for healthcare and other settings where children may disengage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Objectives: To test the effectiveness of a two-to-three session family therapeutic conversation intervention (FAM-TCI) for primary and partner caregivers of children and adolescents in active cancer treatment on perceived family support and on expressive family functioning.Design: Quasiexperimental; one group pre- and post-test.Setting: Inpatient cancer unit and a day treatment cancer unit at the Children's Hospital in Reykjavik, Iceland.Sample: 19 parent caregivers (10 primary, 9 partner) of children in active cancer medical treatment.Methods: The caregivers completed baseline measure questionnaires and were offered the first sessions of the FAM-TCI. About four to eight weeks later, the second session was administered and then the caregivers were offered a third session, if needed, one week later. When the caregivers had finished all sessions, they answered the same set of questionnaires about one week later.Main Research Variables: The FAM-TCI for primary and partner caregivers, family support, and expressive family functioning.Findings: Primary caregivers perceived significantly higher family support after the intervention compared to before. Those caregivers also reported significantly higher expressive family functioning and significantly higher emotional communication after the intervention. Partner caregivers, however, reported significantly lower verbal communication after the FAM-TCI compared to before.Conclusions: Shortening hospital stays in pediatric oncology populations has focused attention on effective short-term psychosocial interventions. The FAM-TCI is promising as an effective short-term intervention but requires additional testing.Implications for Nursing: The FAM-TCI strengthened pediatric oncology caregivers in their caregiving activities and was found to benefit primary caregivers regarding their perception of family support and expressive family functioning; therefore, the intervention might benefit future families of children and adolescents in active cancer treatment.Knowledge Translation: The FAM-TCI was brief, easy to provide, and well fitted. Pediatric oncology nurses can offer brief, beneficial interventions to families of children and adolescents with cancer who are in active treatment. Knowing that primary caregivers experienced support and information may result in more effective evidence-based family care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This pilot study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of a linguistically and culturally adapted intervention for immigrant Latina mothers with depression and their families. Fortalezas Familiares (Family Strengths) is a community-based, 12-week, multifamily group intervention that aims to increase communication about family processes leading up to and affected by the mother's depression, build child coping and efficacy, enhance parenting competence and skills, and promote cultural and social assets within the family. In terms of feasibility, of 16 families who enrolled and participated in the intervention, 13 families attended more than 90% of meetings and completed the intervention. Posttests reported positive changes following the intervention, including improved psychological functioning, increased family and marital support, and enhanced family functioning, as reported by mothers and other caregivers. Mothers also reported decreased conduct and hyperactivity problems among their children. Children reported positive changes in their psychological functioning and coping, parenting warmth and acceptance, and overall family functioning. Postintervention focus groups and surveys measuring acceptability revealed families' satisfaction with the intervention and suggested areas of improvement. We discuss similarities and differences in outcomes between the adapted intervention, Fortalezas Familiares, and the original intervention, Keeping Families Strong, and propose future areas of intervention adaptation and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article regarding the effectiveness of Theraplay for the clinical treatment of adoptive families both outlines a model for integrating family systems theory with Theraplay to create a new approach entitled Whole Family Theraplay (WFT), as well as provides a preliminary report of a pilot study demonstrating the efficacy of that model. WFT integrates Theraplay with family systems approaches (Structural and Experiential Family Therapies) to treat parents and all the siblings within adoptive families. The findings indicate that WFT treatment may lead to statistically significant benefits in regard to family communication, adults’ interpersonal relationships, and children's overall behavioral functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which examines the treatment outcomes of integrated families and systems treatment (I-FAST) in reference to multisystemic therapy (MST). It states that a non-randomized non-inferiority trial design was used. Chi-square tests and independent t tests were used for data analysis. Results showed that I-FAST was non-inferior to MST in reducing problem severity and improving functioning based on peoples' judgement.

The article discusses a study to determine the effectiveness of an adapted Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) intervention for gang-affiliated Mexican American adolescents and their parents. The study revealed that there was a significant difference between the BFST and control groups on adolescent alcohol use. It also concluded that the results of the study provided emerging evidence supporting the adapted BSFT for alcohol and behavioral outcomes.

Substance use disorders have a profound impact on the course of severe mental illnesses and on the family, but little research has evaluated the impact of family intervention for this population. To address this question, a randomized controlled trial was conducted comparing a brief (2–3 mo) Family Education (ED) program with a longer-term (9–18 mo) program that combined education with teaching communication and problem-solving skills, Family Intervention for Dual Disorders (FIDD). A total of 108 clients (77% schizophrenia-spectrum) and a key relative were randomized to either ED or FIDD and assessed at baseline and every 6 months for 3 years. Rates of retention of families in both programs were moderate. Intent-to-treat analyses indicated that clients in both programs improved in psychiatric, substance abuse, and functional outcomes, as did key relatives in knowledge of co-occurring disorders, burden, and mental health functioning. Clients in FIDD had significantly less severe overall psychiatric symptoms and psychotic symptoms and tended to improve more in functioning. Relatives in FIDD improved more in mental health functioning and knowledge of co-occurring disorders. There were no consistent differences between the programs in substance abuse severity or family burden. The findings support the utility of family intervention for co-occurring disorders, and the added benefits of communication and problem-solving training, but also suggest the need to modify these programs to retain more families in treatment in order to provide them with the information and skills they need to overcome the effects of these disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Novel and creative therapeutic modalities have been developed in an effort to increase motivation in family therapy for adolescents and families. Many of these approaches incorporate experiential activities or 'family play', which provides a supplemental approach to traditional talk therapy. Incorporating experiential activities into family therapy sessions has been shown to increase engagement and enhance participation in therapy. Therefore, to understand how families view experiential activities within family therapy, we interviewed nineteen adolescents (age 12-17) and their parents/caregivers who were receiving family therapy augmented with experiential activities. We asked a series of open-ended questions to understand the families' experiences concerning how they initially felt about participating in family therapy and their perceptions of the experiential activities. The activities involved experiential interactions and skill-building exercises that elicited active participation from all family members and encouraged further discussions. Topics of these activities focused on problem areas the family had identified, such as anger management, problem-solving, improving communication, substance use, expressing feelings, coping, etc. Results showed that most caregivers and youth found the experiential activities helpful in creating positive family interactions and developing communication skills. Caregivers and adolescents noted that the activities increased their desire to participate in family therapy sessions and they were more motivated to engage in the treatment process. Clinicians using the methods discussed in this intervention should be aware of the study's limitations. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]