BEST-Foundations: a mixed methods exploration of the feasibility of a novel intervention treating internalising symptoms in children

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Internalising disorders are one of the most common mental health problems in children under 12 years, yet mixed findings exist for current treatment options. This pilot involves a novel 10-session intervention, BEST-Foundations, to treat internalising symptoms in children using a family-inclusive model. Initial findings and feasibility using a mixed-methods approach are reported. Method Twenty-two participants from eight families (n = 8 children; n = 8 mothers; n = 6 fathers) participated in an uncontrolled single treatment design. Included children (aged 3–11 years) reported clinical-level internalising symptoms on the Child Behaviour Checklist. Data were collected across four timepoints: baseline, pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 4-weeks follow-up. Results As predicted, mothers reported large improvements in child internalising symptoms pre-post (SMD = −.83; 95% CI = 50.58–70.42) and maintained pre to follow-up (SMD = −.92; 95% CI = 50.14–69.11). Sustained improvements were also found in externalising problems and total problems. Qualitative analysis indicated families reported positive improvements in targeted areas including parent confidence and parent–child relationships. Conclusions Findings demonstrate initial feasibility data and effect size estimates comparable to previous trials using the “BEST” framework, and larger than CBT-based interventions. Results are considered preliminary due to the small sample. Further evaluation is warranted, showing the value of family-inclusive interventions to treat child internalising problems.