Family mode deactivation therapy (FMDT) mediation analysis.

Abstract

Youth behavioral disorders are not only considered widespread and costly in terms of financial, human, and societal impact into adulthood, but also resistant to interventions, especially when related to childhood trauma and accompanied by continued social distress and comorbid conditions such as personality, mood, and substance use disorders. Mode Deactivation Therapy (MDT), a third wave contextual therapy approach derived from cognitive therapy principles, was developed in recognition of the need for this population. The MDT theoretical framework and methodology contains elements of mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), but it is the unique Validation-Clarification-Redirection process ( VCR) step that sets it apart from other contextual approaches. VCR is considered to be the core process component in MDT to affect therapeutic change by validating core beliefs as reasonable responses to past experiences, but exploring functional alternative beliefs. The main objectives of this study is to review evidence of the effectiveness of family-based MDT (FMDT) compared to standard treatment, and provide a preliminary randomized controlled group study of the mediation effects that VCR and other components have on the overall treatment mechanisms and outcomes. Recommendations for further study conclude the current scope.