E-mail: asgeir.olseth@nubu.no
Phone: 41 56 34 84
About
In this study, the researchers examined the short- and long-term effects of Functional Family Therapy (FFT) – a treatment intervention for families with adolescents aged 11 to 18 years who display worrying behaviour that makes interaction in the family and/or network difficult.
The objective of the FFT study
The goal was to gain better knowledge about the effects of FFT, the duration of positive treatment outcomes and how family therapy helps adolescents with behavioural problems.
Research questions
What changes do adolescents and their families experience in FFT treatment compared to other treatments?
How does a manual-based treatment programme like FFT work compared to other treatment options?
What conditions in or around the family influence whether it will benefit most from FFT or other treatment?
Are there any families that benefit less from FFT, and if so, why?
How can we improve family therapy initiatives for adolescents with behavioural problems?
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Background
Since 2007, NUBU has assisted in the establishment of seven treatment teams that offer Functional Family Therapy (FFT) to adolescents with behavioural difficulties. Since the start of the project, the treatment method has changed its name to Relationship-Focused Family Therapy.
The FFT study was initiated in 2013 to gain knowledge about the effects of FFT, about the duration of any positive treatment results and about how family therapy helps adolescents with behavioural problems.
The researchers had previously hypothesised that FFT would lead to fewer behavioural problems among the youth and better academic and social skills, as well as a decrease in crime and negative peer influences. They also expected that positive behavioural changes would persist over time.
Method
The participants were 161 adolescents aged 11 to 18 years and their families referred for FFT treatment, either by the Norwegian Child, Adolescent and Family Services (Bufetat) or via the municipal child welfare services.
The participants were randomly divided into two groups; half received FFT, whilst the other half received ordinary service existing in the relevant Bufetat region or municipality. The control group included family counselling, parent training programmes and treatment in child and adolescent psychiatry. Forty per cent of the control group also received Multisystemic Therapy (MST).
The outcomes measured in the study were based on responses from parents and teachers regarding the youth’s behaviour, rule violations, internalised problems (anxiety/depression) and social skills. The youth themselves have answered questions about offending and negative interactions with peers.
Teachers also participated by reporting on school performance and adaptability.
Participation in the study was voluntary, and participants could withdraw their participation at any time by contacting NUBU.
Privacy statement for parents and adolescents who have participated in the study
Privacy statement for therapists who participated in the study
Privacy statement for teachers who participated in the study
Findings
Contrary to the hypotheses, the researchers found no significant difference between the groups that received FFT and the control group (ordinary support initiatives). However, one significant difference showed a stronger decrease in parents’ reporting of the adolescent’s internalising problems following treatment in the control group.
Parents reported positive changes in the adolescents’ aggressive behaviour, norm- and law-breaking behaviour, internalising difficulties and social skills in the first six months after treatment initiation in both groups.
The adolescents themselves reported less involvement in crime in both groups.
Twelve months after the end of treatment, the parents reported that aggressive behaviour by the adolescents had changed in a positive direction.
The teachers reported positive changes in the youth’s adjustment to school and aggressive behaviour in the period after treatment had ended.
Contact
E-mail: andreas.hostmalingen@nubu.no
Phone: 93 64 81 19
For enquiries regarding the processing of personal data, please contact personvern@nubu.no