A review of the literature on family therapy with adolescents 1979–1987

Abstract

SummarySince the initial publication of our article, significant developments have occurred in the literature pertaining to the application of family therapy to problems of adolescents. A primary change has been quantitative. As is evident from the problem listing above, a great number of articles have been written addressing a continually expanding array of presenting complaints.Similarly, the recent review clearly indicated that a full range of family therapy models has been represented in the literature since 1979. In a general sense, the family therapy models described in our original paper—Psychoanalytic, Behavioral, and Systems‐oriented (including Structural, and Strategic family therapy)—have continued to receive attention. It is also clear that family therapists working with adolescents have demonstrated a willingness to experiment with new theoretical developments. Especially noteworthy are the relatively recent applications of Systemic family therapy (Milan model) to problems of adolescents. There is also growing evidence that single model approaches to adolescents may be less desirable than approaches that combine the strengths of several models in an integrated or carefully eclectic fashion.A number of authors have suggested guidlines for planning and conducting family therapy with adolescents. A survey of the various sets of guidelines revealed some of the continuing dilemmas and controversies that exist in the field. The suggestions offered vary according to the authors' theoretical orientations. Of particular interest are guidelines that are organized around such concepts as “stages” or “family typology”. The results reported in the various outcomes studies clearly suggested that family therapy with adolescents is a viable treatment approach, one that in many instances produces results often exceeding those seen when other, more traditional treatments are employed.In the 1979 article, we took the position that family therapy offered “new and exciting directions” for the treatment of adolescent disturbances. We still think this is true. Family therapy, in its various forms, has proven to be a well established approach to the treatment of adolescent problems. Finally, we believe this area will continue through careful consideration of three issues: first, the continued application of new developments in the field therapy to the treatment of problems of adolescents; second, further elaboration of guidelines for therapy that are based on particular treatment models; and third, the design of more carefully constructed outcome studies that evaluate the comparative effectiveness of different family therapy models in dealing with particular presenting problems, family characteristics, and stages of adolescent development.

Functional Family Therapy (FFT) for Behavior Disordered Youth Aged 10–18: An Overview of Reviews

“…When describing sample inclusion criteria, 10 reviews (Alexander et al, 2002; Austin et al, 2005; Breunlin, Breunlin, Kearns, & Russell, 1988; Cottrell & Boston, 2002; Dumas, 1989; Gordon, 1995; Henggeler & Sheidow, 2003; Huey & Henggeler, 2001; Sexton, 2009; Waldron & Turner, 2008) refer to study participants, but the criteria are not elucidated well and include phrases such as “light to severe offenses,” “habitually truant,” “soft” juvenile offenders, and “serious juvenile offenders.” There is no definition of these terms and no explanation of what level of behavior is present. There is a great deal of room for interpretation.…”

“…There is a great deal of room for interpretation. Waldron and Turner (2008) report outcomes for youth diagnosed with “heavy alcohol abuse”; Dumas (1989) reports the participants were court referred; Austin, Macgowan, and Wagner (2005) discuss a sample that required a substance abuse diagnosis; and Breunlin, Breunlin, Kearns, and Russell (1988) report on a study with status offenders. These are definable categories which are far more objective and useful when examining the quality of design and methodology in the included reviews.…”

The Experiences of Parents of Adolescents in Family Therapy: A Qualitative Investigation

“…Listening to the client’s voice is increasingly being recognized as essential to developing successful therapeutic treatments (Barnard & Kuehl, 1995). This is problematic for parents of adolescents who have had few chances to voice their perceptions about the experience of family therapy (Breunlin, Breunlin, Kearns, & Russell, 1988; Kuehl, Newfield, & Joanning, 1990; Mann & Bordin, 1991). While some studies indicate that early termination of therapy is often the result of poor parent‐therapist relationship, it has also been found that parents of adolescents in therapy are supportive, respectful, and helpful partners in the therapeutic process (Kuehl et al., 1990; Nevas & Farber, 2001).…”