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.
Keywords: Family Interventions; Family Therapy; Process Assessment; Psychoeducation; Psychosis; Qualitative Research; evaluación del proceso; intervenciones familiares; investigación cualitativa; psicoeducación; psicosis; terapia familiar; 定性研究; 家庭干预; 家庭心理治疗; 心理教育; 精神病; 过程评估.
© 2015 Family Process Institute.