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. 2011 Feb;33(1):3-19.
doi: 10.1111/j.1467-6427.2010.00529.x.

A Pilot Study of a Family-Focused Intervention for Children and Families Affected by Maternal Depression

Carmen R Valdez  1 , Carrie L Mills, Sandra Barrueco, Julie Leis, Anne W Riley
Affiliations

A Pilot Study of a Family-Focused Intervention for Children and Families Affected by Maternal Depression

Carmen R Valdez et al. J Fam Ther. 2011 Feb.

Abstract

A non-experimental pilot study examined child, mother, and family outcomes of a 10-session multi-family group intervention designed to reduce risk and promote resilience for mothers with depression and their families. Positive changes following the Keeping Families Strong intervention included mother-reported decreases in child behavior and emotional problems, improvements in the quality of family interactions and routines, and improvements in their own well being and support from others. Children (9-16 years) reported decreased internalizing symptoms, improved coping, increased maternal warmth and acceptance, and decreased stressful family events. Attendance and mother-reported satisfaction were high, indicating the perceived value of the intervention.

Keywords: adult mental health; child and adolescent mental health; depression; multiple family approaches; outcome research.

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