Implementation of a multi-family intervention for children with behavioural and emotional problems in a semi-rural population

Abstract

Objective: To determine the feasibility of implementing a community-based, multi-family group intervention in a semi-rural population in Aranzazu, northern Caldas, Colombia.

Methods: Qualitative study. A convenience sample was taken of 10 families with children with affective and behavioural disorders, previously identified by the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). The Multifamily Psychoeducational Psychotherapy (MF-PEP) model was adapted to the culture and needs of the families.

Results: The contents of the sessions and the topics and experiences that were most significant for the children and their families are described.

Conclusions: The adaptation to the cultural context of the multi-family intervention had a very good acceptability by all participants: caregivers, children and therapists.

Keywords: Affective symptoms; Child; Community; Comunidad; Familia; Family; Multiple psychotherapy; Niño; Psicoterapia multiple; Síntomas afectivos.