Citation

Grácio J, Gonçalves-Pereira M, Leff J. Fam. Process 2015; 55(1): 79-90.

Affiliation

Clínica Psiquiátrica de S. José, Sisters Hospitallers, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Mental Health and Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas, NOVA Medical School / Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (NMS/FCM), CEDOC, Lisbon, Portugal.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Family Process Institute, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/famp.12155

PMID

25900627

Abstract

The evidence regarding effectiveness of family interventions for psychosis (FIP) is strong and consistent. However, there is a gap in the research on the process of these interventions, and little is known about their active ingredients. This review aims to identify the active ingredients of FIP. We conducted a systematic literature review, focusing on qualitative research, and analyzed 22 papers in total. We found a single study comprehensively exploring the process of FIP. All other studies focused on particular aspects of process-related variables. The key elements of FIP seem to be the so-called "common therapeutic factors", followed by education about the illness and coping skills training. This review supports the value of a stepped model of intervention according to the needs of the families. However, the evidence reviewed also reveals a gap in the research findings based on the limited research available. FIP are complex, psychosocial interventions with multiple components, and more intensive, qualitative research is needed to establish linkages between process and outcome.

Language: en