A Comparison of Multisystemic Therapy and Functional Family Therapy (1 CE)

Number of Credits: 1

This course is for: Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, and Marriage & Family Therapists

Course By: Ken Springer, PhD

Content By: Eeren, H. V., Goossens, L. M. A., Scholte, R. H. J., Busschbach, J. J. V., & van der Rijken, R. E. A. (2018). Multisystemic therapy and functional family therapy compared on their effectiveness using the propensity score method. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 46, 1037-1050.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-017-0392-4

Course Description: Multisystemic therapy (MST) and Functional Family Therapy (FFT) have similar target populations and treatment goals, but few studies have compared their relative effectiveness. The present study compared the effectiveness of MST and FFT at improving one primary outcome (externalizing problem behaviors) and three secondary outcomes (living at home, engaging in school or work, and extent of police contact). Comparisons between adolescents who received MST and FFT revealed no differences in externalizing behaviors, and only one difference in secondary outcomes (more engagement in school or work among the MST group). Externalizing behaviors were reduced to a greater extent among adolescents in the MST group who did not have a court order versus those who did. These findings have clinical implications for the selection of therapeutic interventions used in adolescent populations.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the characteristics of MST and FFT as well as the need to compare their effectiveness
2. Describe the primary and second outcomes observed among adolescents who received MST or FFT
3. Integrate the strengths and limitations of the study, and summarize the clinical implications for therapeutic support of adolescents

Course Outline:

• Read and understand Multisystemic therapy and functional family therapy compared on their effectiveness using the propensity score method
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Understand the similarities and differences between MST and FFT, as well as the rationale for comparing their effectiveness
• Identify how externalizing problem behaviors as well as three secondary outcomes were measured
• Analyze the similarities and differences in effectiveness that emerged from comparisons of MST and FFT
• Integrate the study's key findings, strengths, limitations, and practical implications
• Work through the post-test questions, using the article as the sole basis for your answers
• Revisit the article for any missed questions and/or to better understand the relative effectiveness of MST and FFT

Approvals: