Efficacy of brief strategic family therapy in modifying Hispanic adolescent behavior problems and substance use

J Fam Psychol. 2003 Mar;17(1):121-33. doi: 10.1037/0893-3200.17.1.121.

Abstract

This study investigated the efficacy of brief strategic family therapy (BSFT) with Hispanic behavior problem and drug using youth, an underrepresented population in the family therapy research literature. One hundred twenty-six Hispanic families with a behavior problem adolescent were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 conditions: BSFT or group treatment control (GC). Results showed that, compared to GC cases, BSFT cases showed significantly greater pre- to post-intervention improvement in parent reports of adolescent conduct problems and delinquency, adolescent reports of marijuana use, and observer ratings and self reports of family functioning. These results extend prior findings on the efficacy of family interventions to a difficult to treat Hispanic adolescent sample.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aggression / psychology
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Child Behavior Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Family Therapy*
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marijuana Abuse / psychology
  • Marijuana Abuse / rehabilitation*
  • Psychotherapy, Brief*
  • Psychotherapy, Group
  • Treatment Outcome