Qualitative research into processes of change in Multi-Family Therapy

Details

Supervisors

De Mol, Jan

Faculty

Faculté de psychologie, logopédie, sexologie et des sciences de la famille

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences psychologiques

Abstract

Multi-Family therapy is a therapy that already exists for over 50 years. It can be described as a combination of a family therapy and a group therapy which brings together several families (at least 3) affected by a similar pathology. Being longtime a not so popular therapy program, nowadays it receives more and more attention. Several studies have proven the efficacy of this therapy for treating a variety of diseases. What is missing are studies which explain why this therapy works. There are just a few studies that try to understand the underlying treatment processes. The aim of this study is to take a closer look at how do family members experience the processes of change within an MFT. In order to find an answer to the research question, a qualitative research construct was built. Qualitative research helps to preserve the singularity of the experience and to understand the meaning participants attribute to their experience. To collect the data, 5 adolescents, 8 parents and 3 therapists were interviewed individually, using a semi-structured interview to understand their experience. The subjects participated in a multi-family therapy in a therapeutic center in the Netherlands. Afterwards the data was analyzed by thematic analysis. Nine themes could be identified: presence of others, recognition, observational experiences, disparity, support, being involved, group cohesion, therapist and openness. These identified processes help to get a better understanding of how the therapy works. Of course, further research still needs to be done. This qualitative research tried to generate theory so that studies in the future can build up on this. As an implication for the practice, multi-family therapists should emphasize these processes in their treatment.