Predicting early positive change in multisystemic therapy with youth exhibiting antisocial behaviors

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Kristine Tiernan, Alliant International University; Sharon L. Foster, Alliant International University; Phillippe B. Cunningham, Medical University of South Carolina; Patricia Brennan, Emory University; Elizabeth Whitmore, University of Colorado School of Medicine
• Language: English
• Date: 2015-03-01
• Publisher: American Psychological Association
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2014 American Psychological Association.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0035975
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Psychotherapy
• ISSN: 0033-3204
• Volume: 52
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: 93
• End Page: 102
• Keywords: Adult; Adolescent; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Child; Humans; Family Relations; Substance-Related Disorders; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Female; Peer Group; Aged; Male; Caregivers; Family Therapy
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Mental Health; Psychology, Clinical

Abstract

This study examined individual and family characteristics that predicted early positive change in the context of Multisystemic Therapy (MST). Families (n = 185; 65% male; average youth age 15 years) receiving MST in community settings completed assessments at the outset of treatment and 6-12 weeks into treatment. Early positive changes in youth antisocial behavior were assessed using the caregiver report on the Child Behavior Checklist Externalizing Behaviors subscale and youth report on the Self-Report Delinquency Scale. Overall, families showed significant positive changes by 6-12 weeks into treatment; these early changes were maintained into midtreatment 6-12 weeks later. Families who exhibited clinically significant gains early in treatment were more likely to terminate treatment successfully compared with those who did not show these gains. Low youth internalizing behaviors and absence of youth drug use predicted early positive changes in MST. High levels of parental monitoring and low levels of affiliation with deviant peers (mechanisms known to be associated with MST success) were also associated with early positive change.