Work

Effects on family functioning and the home environment of a family-based preventive intervention for children of parents with severe mental illness: A randomized controlled trial.

Year: 2024

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Children of parents with severe mental illness are at increased risk of mental illness throughout their lifespan due to complex gene-environment interactions. Preventive interventions supporting parents and children are warranted. Compared with usual treatment, we tested the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary family-based preventive intervention, VIA Family. METHOD: = 58 [61.1%]), participated. A total of 179 coparents and 113 children (6-12 years) participated. Assessments took place at baseline and after 18 months of intervention. We estimated the effects on family functioning with the McMaster Family Assessment Device and on levels of stimulation and support in the home environment with the Home Observation Measurement of the Environment. RESULTS: = .104). Sensitivity analyses confirmed our main findings. CONCLUSIONS: Effects on family functioning and the home environment did not differ between VIA Family and usual treatment. We cannot rule out a clinically relevant effect of VIA Family on levels of stimulation and support in the home environment. Long-term follow-up will investigate potential preventive effects. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology

DOI: 10.1037/ccp0000924