Multiple Family Group Service Delivery Model for Children With Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Impact on Caregiver Stress and Depressive Symptoms

Disproportionately high rates of caregiver stress and depression are found among poverty-impacted communities, with high levels of caregiver stress and depression putting youth at heightened risk for the onset and perpetuation of disruptive behavior disorders. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a behavioral parent training program called the 4Rs and 2Ss for Strengthening Families Program (4R2S) on caregiver stress and depressive symptoms among 320 youth aged 7 to 11 and their families assigned to either the 4R2S or services as usual (SAU) condition. Among caregivers with clinically significant (CS) scores at baseline, 4R2S participants manifested significantly reduced scores on the stress and depressive symptom scores to SAU participants at 6-month follow-up. Findings suggest that 4R2S may reduce caregiver stress and depressive symptoms among those caregivers initially manifesting CS levels of stress or depressive symptoms.

The importance of multiple-family group therapy in treatment of psychosomatic pathology

IntroductionThe “parental multiple-family school” was developed in Buenos Aires (Argentina) by E. Rotenberg, based on the theory and practice of J. García Badaracco's multiple-family psychoanalysis (which further expands on the classical psychoanalysis’ frame), applying it to the kids and their relatives. We will focus on the therapeutic group treating psychosomatic pathology, with the collaboration of the Dermatology department of the Hospital de Niños Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez.ObjectiveTo highlight the importance of creating spaces to modify the psychic mechanisms and resources of the psychosomatic patient at an infant age.MethodsWe describe the “multiple-family parents school”, an open, weekly group, coordinated by two psychologists and assisted by a dermatologist, in which the theories of J. García Badaracco's multiple-family group analysis are applied. We also discuss the importance of applying this system in our clinical practice.ResultsWe observed, according to the Dermatology department, very positive and significative changes in every post-group, which could lead to the disappearance of dermatological diseases in different patients without a pharmacological treatment which was previously given as first option. Single-session groups had many advantages, including the removal of waiting lists, a better development of the emotional connection between kids and their families, and a reduction of the therapeutic and professional costs.ConclusionWe think that starting interventions in multiple-family group therapy in Madrid in order to treat psychosomatic diseases in kids and teenagers should be encouraged after the very positive clinical experience in other cities.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.