Strengthening the parent–child relationship: a review of family interventions and their use in medical settings

Abstract

The quality of family functioning is important for both psychological well-being and physical health. This review describes family interventions that aim to improve the strength of the parent-child relationship and considers ways in which these approaches can be applied to physical health care. This review first describes the development of family therapy in dealing with children's behavioural and emotional difficulties. As shown in psychotherapeutic settings, parenting skills can affect children's emotional well-being and ability to control their own conduct. Intervention strategies that focus on developing the ability of parents to provide a benign and nurturing parenting style are considered. The review then considers how the principles of family therapy can be applied to settings where physical health is the central issue. In medical settings, families are not only affected by medical interventions but they can also serve to facilitate or hinder clinical effectiveness. Illustrations of how these interventions can be applied in medical settings are provided. Although a practising clinician will need training in using family therapy techniques, it may be possible to recruit a family therapist to help in particular cases.

Psychological effects of hematopoietic SCT on pediatric patients, siblings and parents: a review

“…39 Given the importance of familial interactions and cohesiveness in predicting distress outcomes in both children and parents, interventions aimed at improving parent-child interactions are recommended for families with children with chronic medical conditions. 66 Although no studies focused on children receiving HSCT are available, a study by Burke et al 67 tested the efficacy of a family intervention for children with a chronic illness and repeated hospitalizations. The intervention involved teaching families how to develop coping strategies that were helpful for their children, how to anticipate sibling jealousy issues, and practice role-playing the use of coping strategies.…”

Recommendations for Prevention of Childhood Obesity

“…Social learning theory is based on the premise that changing a parent's behavior leads to a change in a child's behavior. 193 Including parents as active participants with their children in lifestyle changes has produced positive longterm improvement in weight control. 194 Two major reviews of obesity prevention in children by the Institute of Medicine 2,3 delineated and emphasized the pivotal role of parents in obesity prevention.…”

Possibilities for intervention in adolescents’ and young adults’ depression from a public health perspective

“…Similarly, multisystemic treatments that involve incorporating the family, school, and community as part of the treatment are gaining popularity. Preliminary evidence shows some effectiveness, however more research is needed [29].…”