Assessing the efficacy of a brief universal family skills programme on child behaviour and family functioning in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan: protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial of the Strong Families programme.

PURPOSE: The global burden of mental health difficulties among children underscores the importance of early prevention. This study aims to assess the efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of the Strong Families programme in enhancing child behaviour and family functioning in low-resource settings in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a two-arm, multisite feasibility randomised controlled trial with an embedded process evaluation in three districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, namely Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu. 90 families living in these challenged settings, comprising a female primary caregiver aged 18 or above, and at least one child aged 8-15 years, will participate. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the Strong Families programme or to the waitlist group. Strong Families is a 7-hour family skills group intervention programme attended by children and their primary caregivers over 3 weeks. The waitlist group will be offered the intervention after their outcome assessment. Three raters will conduct blind assessments at baseline, 2 and 6 weeks postintervention. The primary outcome measures include the feasibility of Strong Families, as determined by families' recruitment and attendance rates, and programme completeness (mean number of sessions attended, attrition rates). The secondary outcomes include assessment of child behaviour, parenting practices, parental adjustment and child resilience. Purposefully selected participants, including up to five caregivers from each site, researchers and facilitators delivering the intervention, will be interviewed. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyse primary and secondary outcomes. The process evaluation will be conducted in terms of programme context, reach, fidelity, dose delivered and received, implementation, and recruitment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the UNODC Drug Prevention and Health Branch in the Headquarters office of Vienna and the National Bioethics Committee of Pakistan. Findings will be disseminated through publication in reputable journals, newsletters and presentations at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05933850.

Effect of family intervention on relapse rate of Chinese patients with alcohol-dependent.

Objective: This study explored the impact of a family intervention on the relapse rate of Chinese patients with alcohol dependence. Methods: A total of 151 male patients with alcohol dependence who were discharged from the Substance Dependence Department of the Wenzhou Seventh People's Hospital from January to December 2020 were selected. They were divided into the control (n = 73) and experimental (n = 78) groups. Patients in both groups received routine alcohol cessation treatment. Moreover, patients in the experimental group were followed up by a professional psychiatrist to carry out individual family intervention. The Family Function Rating Scale (FAD), a Self-made general information questionnaire, and the Chinese version of the Family Intimacy and Adaptability Scale (FACESI-CV) were performed. Re-drinking rate and readmission rate were assessed. Results: Family intervention could reduce relapse rate (31, 39.74%) and rehospitalization (27, 34.62%) compared with the control group. After family training, FAD factor scores were improved in the experiment group in comparison with the control group. Family training improved communication (18.2 ± 3.7), role (20.8 ± 2.5), emotional response (10.8 ± 1.8), emotional involvement (13.7 ± 1.2), behavioral control (19.8 ± 1.2), and overall functionality (23.5 ± 2.1) in the experiment group in comparison with the control group. After family training, intimacy (70.5 ± 8.7) and adaptability (64.1 ± 6.9) in the experiment group was higher than in the control group. After family intervention, Michigan Alcohol Dependence Scale (MAST) (9.21 ± 0.68) and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) (80.32 ± 4.47) in the experiment group were higher than the control group. Conclusion: Family intervention for families of patients with alcohol dependence can improve their family function, increase their family intimacy and adaptability, and reduce the rate of relapse.

'Before, we ended up in conflicts, now we can provide support'-Experiences of Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) for parents of young adults with hazardous substance use.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hazardous substance use is highest in the age between 18 and 25, but few young adults enter treatment. Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is a support program for concerned significant others (CSOs) of individuals with diverse substance use disorders and is proven efficacious in promoting treatment entry. The aim of the current study was to investigate the experiences of CRAFT among parents of substance using young adults. METHODS: We used a qualitative design conducting semi-structured interviews with 10 parents of young adults (18-24 years) with hazardous substance use. The participants were recruited from a randomized controlled trial of the CRAFT program. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: We divided the results into three overall domains-Reasons for entering the CRAFT program, Strengths of the CRAFT program and Limitations of the CRAFT program - with three to four themes under each domain. The parents appreciated the accessible support at a time when they needed it due to feelings of shock and powerlessness, and they described communication strategies together with positive reinforcement as the two most helpful CRAFT-sessions. Regarding limitations of CRAFT in the current population, the parents wanted more accessible support for the young adults when they were ready to enter treatment, and described difficulties to practice CRAFT-components due to changing life-circumstances and fear of aggravated health for their young adults. CONCLUSION: The results provide arguments for the health care system to implement support programs to parents of young adults with hazardous substance use. The results show that CRAFT is suitable for the current population, but with some possible additions due to changing circumstances that are common in the young adult developmental phase emerging adulthood. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was pre-registered at isrctn.com, reference number ISRCTN12212515 date: November 7, 2018.

Therapeutic Alliance in Family-Based Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: In-Person Versus Telehealth.

OBJECTIVE: The therapeutic alliance is broadly linked with positive outcomes. However, nearly all research in this area involves in-person therapy, whereas teletherapy has grown increasing common since the COVID-19 pandemic. There is now a pressing need to establish whether the nature and importance of the therapeutic alliance is impacted by teletherapy. This study examined therapeutic alliance in families of youth with anorexia nervosa who were participating in a randomized controlled trial that transitioned from in-person to telehealth visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: We analysed data from 53 adolescents and their parents (20 began in-person, 33 began with telehealth). Both parents, youth and therapist completed the Working Alliance Inventory-Short Revised after 4 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: We found no significant differences across telehealth and in-person treatment for paternal or therapist reported data. However, both adolescents and mothers reported higher bond and goal-related alliance for in-person sessions compared to telehealth. CONCLUSIONS: Findings regarding alliance across telehealth and in-person sessions were mixed, with some preference among mothers and youth for in-person treatment. Future studies should determine whether possible adaptations can improve working alliance during family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa via telehealth.

A randomized controlled trial examining general parenting training and family-based behavioral treatment for childhood obesity: The ReFRESH study design.

Family-based behavioral treatment (FBT) is one of the most effective treatments for childhood obesity. These programs include behavior change strategies and basic parenting training to help parents make healthy diet and physical activity changes for their children. While effective, not all families respond to this program. Additional training on how to effectively deliver these behavior change strategies may improve outcomes. The authoritative parenting style is associated with many positive academic and socio-emotional outcomes in children, and is characterized by displays of warmth and support while also being consistent with setting limits and boundaries. This parenting style has also been associated with normal weight status. Furthermore, parenting training programs that promote this parenting style for children with behavioral issues have shown unintended effects on decreasing child weight status. Therefore, our goal was to examine the effect of adding more intensive parenting training to FBT on child weight status. We randomized 140 children and their parent to either FBT or FBT + Parenting Training (FBT + PT). Assessments were conducted at baseline, mid-treatment (month 3), post-treatment (month 6), 6-month follow-up (month 12), and 12-month follow-up (month 18). Primary outcome was change in child weight status. Secondary outcomes were rates of drop-out, treatment adherence, and acceptability. If effective, this program may provide another alternative for families to help improve outcomes in childhood obesity management.

Divided we fall: Constructive dialoguing about our political differences within family therapy training.

Widespread political polarization throughout the United States is a threat to the time-honored democratic tradition of utilizing civil discussion and respectful debate to express divergent views and strive for common ground. The political differences that divide us now are so deep and rife with toxic emotion that they threaten to undermine our social well-being at both the micro and macro levels. While family therapists are trained to work with relational tensions and to help family members to constructively negotiate their differences, the severity of the hostility and resentment tied to divergent political orientations has made this work increasingly difficult to achieve. This article explores how family therapy training programs can help trainees deepen their capacity for constructive political dialoguing that includes learning how to effectively manage their reactivity to those whose values and views may be dramatically different from their own so that they can support clients in doing the same.

Multi-family Therapy for Eating Disorders Across the Lifespan.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to report on recent evidence for multi-family therapy for eating disorders (MFT) across the lifespan. It is a narrative update of recent systematic, scoping and meta-analytic reviews. RECENT FINDINGS: There has been a recent increase in published theoretical, quantitative and qualitative reports on MFT in the past few years. Recent and emerging data continues to confirm MFT can support eating disorder symptom improvement and weight gain, for those who may need to, for people across the lifespan. It has also been associated with improved comorbid psychiatric symptoms, self-esteem and quality of life. Data are also emerging regarding possible predictors, moderators and mediators of MFT outcomes, as well as qualitative data on perceived change processes. These data suggest families with fewer positive caregiving experiences at the start of treatment may particularly benefit from the MFT context. Additionally, early change in family functioning within MFT may lead to improved outcomes at end of treatment. MFT is a useful adjunctive treatment across the lifespan for people with eating disorders. It helps to promote change in eating disorder and related difficulties. It has also been shown to support and promote broader family and caregiver functioning.

Updates in the treatment of eating disorders in 2023: a year in review in eating disorders: the Journal of treatment & Prevention.

Empirical evidence is unequivocal in illustrating that the majority of patients with eating disorders will not fully recover during treatment. To that end, the need for optimized treatment approaches and improved patient outcomes cannot be overstated. While empirical efforts are underway to optimize outcomes, this article reviews treatment-related research findings published in Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention during 2023. Importantly, this review encapsulates research addressing (i) between-session patient behaviors, (ii) the integration of technology into treatment approaches, (iii) methods to augment emotional regulation in the context of eating disorder treatment, (iv) methods to measure progress, and potentially risk markers for patient dropout, during treatment, (v) optimizing treatment approaches for inpatient settings, and (vi) augmenting family therapy-based approaches. Incorporating novel technological advances may be critical in enhancing the scalability of eating disorder treatments, since treatment uptake remains an ongoing challenge for the field. Moreover, expanding the scope of non-outpatient eating disorder treatment settings, while ensuring fidelity to theoretical models developed in outpatient settings, is critical as treatment is effectively administer across the spectrum of levels of patient care.

The processes and outcomes related to 'family-centred care' in neuromotor and functional rehabilitation contexts for children with cerebral palsy: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to identify the main processes and outcomes related to family-centred care (FCC) in neuromotor and functional rehabilitation of preschool children with cerebral palsy (CP). BACKGROUND: FCC is considered a reference for best practices in child rehabilitation. CP is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood with repercussions on functionality. There is a gap in knowledge of the practical principles of FCC, and it is necessary to develop a reference model for the practice of child rehabilitation professionals. METHODS: In this scoping review, the main databases selected were as follows: LILACS; Pubmed; Embase; The Cochrane Library; CINAHL (EBSCO); Scopus; Web of Science; PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database); Open Gray and other banks of thesis. The terms combined in the search strategy were as follows: 'Family-centered', 'Family-centred' and 'CP'. Inclusion criteria are as follows: studies on preschool-aged children with CP, undergoing family-centred functional therapeutic interventions (FCFTI) with outcomes on bodily structures and functions and/or activities and/or participation. RESULTS: The main participatory care methods identified were home intervention, environmental enrichment, collaborative realistic goal setting, planning of home-based activities and routine, child assessment feedback, family education/training, family coaching, encouraging discussion, observation of therapist and supervised practice. The main relational care qualities identified were as follows: respect, active listening, treat parents as equals, clear language, respect parents' ability to collaborate, demonstrate genuine care for the family, appreciate parents' knowledge and skills, demonstrate competence, experience and commitment. The main outcomes identified in children were improvement in motor and cognitive function and the child's functional ability. The main parentaloutcomes identified were empowerment, feeling of competence, self-confidence, motivation and engagement. CONCLUSION: The main differences in FCFTI programs refer to the parental education/guidance component and the amount of intervention carried out by parents. It is possible that the elements chosen by the therapist in a FCFTI depend on characteristics of the child and caregivers.

Integrating Structural and Experiential Family Therapy in Neurodivergent Families: A Case Study.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is widely regarded as the most severe childhood behavioral disorder. However, society's lack of awareness regarding neurodevelopmental disorders, like autism, has led to a limited understanding of their profound impact on children and their families. Challenges include unique sensory experiences, communication and social interactions, strain on familial relationships, emotional toll on parents, and educational hurdles, which can significantly impact the well-being of individuals and their families. This case study explores the integration of Structural and Experiential Family Therapy in a neurodivergent family coping with ASD and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Structural interventions focus on clarifying roles and redistributing caregiving responsibilities, addressing issues of communication, and power dynamics. Experiential interventions target emotion-focused techniques, empathy building, and cultural sensitivity training. This integration may promote lasting change in family dynamics and a call to empower parents within neurodivergent families through tailored interventions, contributing to a sustainable therapeutic approach.

The systemic-family-individual approach: The heritage and continuation of Mara Selvini Palazzoli's work in integrative psychotherapy.

Since the birth of family therapy, the Milan approach has been known as a foundational systemic model. Nevertheless, following the dissolution of the Milan group, Mara Selvini, alongside Matteo Selvini, Stefano Cirillo, and Anna Maria Sorrentino, began a new trajectory of clinical development, insufficiently examined within the American panorama. After her death, in 1999, the Selvini group continued to adapt and refine her systemic approach which is known today as the systemic-family-individual (SFI) approach. In this article, we delve into the constituents that constitute the SFI approach, elucidating how it furnishes therapists with a structured framework to guide clinical decision-making and the application of integrated theoretical concepts. Ultimately, the article exemplifies the SFI approach's practical application via a clinical case study, showcasing its efficacious navigation.

The Effects of Online Behavioral Parenting Interventions on Child Outcomes, Parenting Ability and Parent Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The twenty-first century has seen the development and delivery of online programs of behavioral family intervention for disruptive child behavior. Typically, programs evaluate outcomes in terms of change in child functioning and change in parenting ability. Existing research has also articulated the importance of parent-child relational capacity and its role in facilitating change in child functioning, and the importance of parent emotion regulation in the interests of ensuring optimal child development. These factors were explored in a meta-analysis of k = 14 prospective longitudinal research studies of online parenting interventions for disruptive child behavior. Peer reviewed randomized controlled trials with inactive control groups that were published in English between 2000 and 2022 were included in the review if they were delivered online; offered parent self-directed treatment; included as participants families who were screened as having child behavioral difficulties on validated psychometric assessment measures; and assessed child treatment outcomes, parenting ability and parent treatment outcomes. The protocol for this study was pre-registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020215947). Statistical analyses employed random effects models and reported pooled effect sizes (Hedge's g) within and between groups. Results emphasize the importance of child outcomes and parenting ability in program assessment, however, suggest that parents' capacity to develop optimal parent-child relationships and regulate emotion may not be sufficiently reflected in program content. Identified continuous and categorical moderators of treatment outcome were also assessed. Results of the review are discussed in terms of their potential to influence the future development of online programs of behavioral family intervention and, therefore, child development.

The trajectory of anxiety in therapy: The role of ACEs.

The connection between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and anxiety disorders is well-documented. Additionally, therapy has been shown to be effective at reducing anxiety symptoms. Yet more needs to be known about how ACEs may shape the process of therapy and the trajectory of anxiety symptoms. This study was designed to compare the trajectory of improvement in anxiety symptoms over the course of 12 sessions of therapy in adults (N = 472), who reported more (greater than four) and fewer (fewer than four) ACEs using a multigroup latent growth curve analysis. Data were drawn from the Marriage and Family Therapy Practice Research Network database. Results suggested that the rate of improvement in those with more and fewer ACEs was not significantly different; however, those with more ACEs had a significantly higher average starting point of anxiety symptoms.

Family-based therapy for internet addiction among adolescents and young adults: A meta-analysis.

Background and aims: Internet addiction (IA) has been identified as a major public health problem that is more prominent in adolescents and young adults. Some researchers have indicated certain advantages of family-based therapy over other treatments in participants with IA, but no conclusive evaluation has been reported. The present meta-analysis aims to review the efficacy of family-based therapy on Internet addiction in adolescents and young adults. Methods: Relevant articles published from 1996 to February 15th, 2024, were searched from 14 databases, including three Chinese databases. A total of 19,590 articles were identified using a combination of three sets of search terms (Internet addiction, family therapy, and adolescents). Only RCTs and nonrandomized controlled trials were included. Results: 18 studies, most of which were conducted in Asian countries, were included in the final data analysis. The overall severity of Internet addiction in the family-based therapy group was significantly lower than that in the control group. However, significant heterogeneity was detected. Subgroup analysis showed a beneficial effect of family-based therapy when compared with non-intervention and when added to another psychological or behavioural therapy in psychiatric patients with co-medication. Few studies have examined secondary outcomes or follow-up effects. Discussion and Conclusions: Family-based therapy is most effective in reducing the severity of Internet addiction when combined with other therapies, especially medication treatments in psychiatric patients. It might also be helpful to relieve depression and enhance family functions, which needs further evidence. More studies following up on the post-intervention effects are recommended in the future.

Parenting and family interventions in lower and middle-income countries for child and adolescent mental health: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Given the protective effect of nurturing caregivers and families for child and adolescent mental health, there is a need to review and synthesize research evidence regarding the effectiveness of parenting and family interventions in low and middle-income countries, including humanitarian settings. To advance practice, further understanding of the active ingredients of such interventions and implementation factors that lead to effectiveness are essential. METHOD: This systematic review, an update from a previous review, included studies on any parenting or family intervention for children and adolescents aged 0-24, living in a low- or middle-income country, that quantitatively measured child or adolescent mental health outcomes. We searched Global Health, PubMed, PsychINFO, PILOTS and the Cochrane Library databases on the 9th July 2020, and updated on the 12th August 2022. Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted version of the NIH Quality Assessment Tool. We extracted data on: effectiveness outcomes, practice elements included in effective interventions, and implementation challenges and successes. MAIN FINDINGS: We found a total of 80 studies (n = 18,193 participants) representing 64 different family or parenting interventions, 43 of which had evidence of effect for a child or adolescent mental health outcome. Only 3 studies found no effect on child, adolescent or caregiver outcomes. The most common practice elements delivered in effective interventions included caregiver psychoeducation, communication skills, and differential reinforcement. Key implementation strategies and lessons learned included non-specialist delivery, the engagement of fathers, and integrated or multi-sector care to holistically address family needs. PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high level of heterogeneity, preliminary findings from the review are promising and support the use of parenting and family interventions to address the wider social ecology of children in low resource and humanitarian contexts. There are remaining gaps in understanding mechanisms of change and the empirical testing of different implementation models. Our findings have implications for better informing task sharing from specialist to non-specialist delivery, and from individual-focused to wider systemic interventions.

Aus Klinik und Praxis / From Clinic and Practice. Kinderorientierte Familientherapie (KOF) in China: ein Fallbericht.

Child-Oriented FamilyTherapy (COF) in China: A Case Study Chinese families with children aged four to ten years need effective intervention approaches. This case study of a family with a child with early emotional and behavioural problems describes the approach of child-oriented family therapy (COF). After a brief introduction to the principles and framework of COF, the procedure is illustrated using the case study. It is shown that COF can be a particularly suitable therapeutic approach for families with children aged four to ten. Finally, the application of COF in China with cultural differences is discussed.

Validation of the intersession alliance measure: Individual, couple, and family versions.

Monitoring the therapeutic alliance throughout treatment can improve client outcomes and lead to improved care. The individual, couple, and family versions of the intersession alliance measure (IAM) were developed to facilitate routine monitoring of the expanded therapeutic alliance. Psychometric properties of the three versions of the IAM were examined using a clinical sample. Participants were drawn from clinics in the United States participating in the Marriage and Family Therapy Practice Research Network. Using this sample, results indicate that items on each version of the IAM load on one factor, are invariant across sex, and that each version has good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity. The IAM-C and IAM-F also have good predictive validity, while the IAM-I has more limited evidence for its predictive validity. These results suggest that the IAMs are valid and reliable measures that can facilitate the routine monitoring of the expanded therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy.

Supporting Families Affected by Adversity: An Open Feasibility Trial of Family Life Skills Triple P.

This pilot feasibility study examined the effects of a new trauma-informed parenting program, Family Life Skills Triple P (FLSTP), in an open uncontrolled trial conducted in a regular service delivery context via video conferencing. FLSTP was trialed as a group-delivered 10-session intervention. Program modules target positive parenting skills (4 sessions) and adult life skills including coping with emotions, taking care of relationships, self-care, dealing with the past, healthy living, and planning for the future. Participants were 50 parents with multiple vulnerabilities, due to social disadvantage or adverse childhood experiences, who had children aged 3-9 with early onset behavior problems. Outcomes were assessed across four data collection points: baseline, mid-intervention (after Session 4), post-intervention, and 3-month follow up. Findings show moderate to large intra-group effect sizes for changes in child behavior problems, parenting practices and risk of child maltreatment, and medium effect sizes for parental distress, emotion regulation and self-compassion. Parents and practitioners reported high levels of consumer satisfaction with the program. Parents with lower levels of parental self-efficacy, lower personal agency and higher baseline scores on a measure of child abuse potential were at greater risk of not completing the program. The strength of these preliminary findings indicates that a more rigorous evaluation using a randomized clinical trial is warranted.

Family-Based Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD for a Parent and Child.

Children with mental illness commonly live with caregivers who suffer from mental illness. Integrated mental-health-treatment approaches can provide more convenient and comprehensive care for families. This case report describes family-based treatment (FBT) for one parent/child dyad. The parent was a 37-year-old female with a history of anxiety and major depressive disorder and concern for symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The child was an 8-year-old female with generalized anxiety disorder and concern for ADHD and behavioral problems. The parent received individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and parent management training. The child received CBT. Both also received medication management. The FBT team met regularly for coordinated treatment planning. Self-reported assessments via the Child Behavior Checklist showed meaningful improvement; anxiety decreased to nonclinical range week 12 and depression decreased to nonclinical range week 8. Clinician assessments showed improvement for both patients. Though more time intensive, FBT can yield significant improvement, particularly for children. Pragmatic approaches to treatment planning are important to minimize barriers to FBT.