Emotion Focused Family Therapy for Parents of Children With Mental Health Difficulties
This study is exploring a new type of therapy called Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) for parents. It's designed for parents whose children, aged between 7 and 15, are experiencing difficulties like anxiety, low mood, or challenging behaviours. The main goal of this therapy is to equip parents with advanced skills to better support their child's emotional development and encourage positive behaviours. Researchers hope this will lead to improvements in the child's well-being and strengthen family relationships. This study will compare EFFT to a waiting list to see how effective it is and if the benefits last for several months after the therapy finishes.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is investigating a new approach called Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). It's designed to help parents whose children, aged 7 to 15, are having a tough time with things like anxiety, feeling down, or behaving in ways that cause problems. The idea behind EFFT is to teach parents special skills to understand and respond to their child's emotions better. By doing this, parents can help their children learn how to manage their feelings and behave in more helpful ways. The researchers believe that these new skills could not only help the child feel better but also improve how the whole family gets along.
To see if this therapy works, the study will involve families being put into one of two groups by chance – like flipping a coin. One group will take part in a 6-week EFFT programme. The other group will be on a waiting list, meaning they won't receive the therapy right away, but may have the opportunity later. This comparison helps the researchers understand if any changes seen in the EFFT group are truly due to the therapy, rather than other factors.
The researchers will be carefully looking at various things before, during, and after the therapy. They'll assess how parents are feeling, how children are doing, and the quality of the relationship between parents and children. They also plan to check again a few months after the therapy ends, to see if any positive changes continue over time. They're also interested in understanding why the therapy might work and if things like parental stress make a difference.
Key takeaways
- This study explores a new therapy (EFFT) for parents of children with anxiety, depression, or behaviour problems.
- Children must be aged 7-15.
- Families will be randomly assigned to either receive EFFT or be on a waiting list.
- The EFFT programme lasts for 6 weeks.
- The study aims to see if EFFT helps children feel better and improves family relationships.
- Follow-up checks will happen up to four months after the therapy ends.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for parents whose child is between 7 and 15 years old and experiencing anxiety, depression, or behaviour problems. To take part, you and your child need to live together and be able to speak and understand English well enough to participate in the therapy sessions and complete any questionnaires.
There are some situations where you and your child wouldn't be able to join. For example, if either of you has a very serious mental health condition, like actively considering self-harm or having hallucinations, as you would need immediate specialist care. Also, if you or your child are already receiving, or are about to start, another intensive therapy for emotional or behavioural issues, or if there are certain disabilities that would make it difficult to participate in the therapy or complete assessments.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child aged between 7 and 15 years old?
- Does your child struggle with anxiety, depression, or behaviour problems?
- Do you live at home with your child?
- Can you and your child speak and understand English well?
- Are neither you nor your child currently receiving or about to start other intensive therapies for these issues?
- Are neither you nor your child experiencing severe mental health difficulties requiring urgent care?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, your family will be randomly assigned to either the 6-week Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) group or a waiting list group. If you're in the EFFT group, you'll attend group sessions for six weeks. Throughout the study, you and your child will be asked to complete questionnaires and assessments at the beginning, after the therapy finishes, and then again four months later. This helps the researchers understand any changes that have occurred and if they last over time. There are no medications involved in this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Maplewoods Centre for Family Therapy and Child Psychology, University of GuelphVerified postcodeGuelph, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)?
It's a type of therapy that teaches parents skills to help their children with emotions and behaviours, aiming to improve family life.
Which children can take part?
Children aged 7 to 15 who are struggling with anxiety, feeling low, or behaviour challenges.
How long does the therapy last?
The Emotion Focused Family Therapy programme runs for 6 weeks.
Will I or my child have to take any medication?
No, this study does not involve any medication.
What does being 'randomised' mean?
It means you'll be put into one of the study groups by chance, like drawing lots or flipping a coin. Neither you nor the researchers choose which group you join.
How to find out more
Kristel Thomassin, Ph.D
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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