Abstract
Severe externalizing behavior among adolescents is a significant societal problem, in terms of both emotional and financial costs. Much research has focused on factors that increase or decrease the risk of adolescents developing such behavior. In addition, various treatment methods have been developed to address this problem, with promising results under some circumstances. The present study examined archival data from one multifamily therapy program to examine potential predictors of the effectiveness of treatment. These predictors were communication style and relationship quality between parents and adolescents, as well as parents’ readiness for change. Parent-adolescent relationship quality and communication style were both found to significantly predict treatment outcomes in some, but not all, problem areas examined. Parent readiness did not predict treatment outcomes. Results have implications for improving the clinical outcomes of family treatment programs.
Highlights
Externalizing behaviors, such as hyperactivity or refusal to follow rules, are common problems among youth
The present study examines the association between some of these contributing factors and treatment outcomes of a multifamily therapy program in order to maximize the effectiveness of psychological treatment and other services for adolescents with significant externalizing behaviors and their families
Note that change in communication style and attitude over the course of treatment is not examined in the present study; some change in these areas may be expected, this study examines only the pre-treatment levels as potential predictors of treatment outcomes
Summary
Externalizing behaviors, such as hyperactivity or refusal to follow rules, are common problems among youth. Such behaviors can cause significant disruptions in social and academic functioning, for youths exhibiting these behaviors and for their families as well. (2014) Predictors of Effectiveness in a Multifamily Therapy Program for Adolescents with Externalizing Behaviors. The consequences of externalizing behaviors cover a broad range, from academic under-achievement to increased physical health risks and future criminal behavior [1]-[4]. The present study examines the association between some of these contributing factors and treatment outcomes of a multifamily therapy program in order to maximize the effectiveness of psychological treatment and other services for adolescents with significant externalizing behaviors and their families
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