Mediators of a Randomized Controlled Trial for Youth with Depressed Parents
Objective
This study looked at how a specific family therapy program helps children of parents with major depression or dysthymia. We wanted to understand how this program affects children’s long-term mental health symptoms and diagnoses.
Method
The research involved 180 parents (average age 41.9, mostly female and White) and one of their children aged 9-15 (average age 11.4, with similar demographics). We examined changes in two areas after 6 months: positive parenting behaviors and children’s coping skills. We followed up with the children at 18 and 24 months to check for changes in behavior and any diagnoses of depression.
Results
Improvements in children’s coping skills (like acceptance and reappraisal) were linked to reduced mental health symptoms at both follow-ups. The impact of positive parenting as a mediator was less pronounced. Additionally, these coping skills were connected to fewer diagnoses of depression from 12 to 24 months after the program.
Conclusions
This study strongly shows that enhancing coping skills in children can lead to better long-term outcomes when their parents have depression.
Clinical Trial Importance
Clinical trials are crucial for developing effective treatments. It’s essential to integrate their benefits into daily healthcare practices.
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