The Effect of Nonviolent Resistance in Parent Group Training in Child Psychiatric Care
The Effect of Nonviolent Resistance in Parent Group Training in Child Psychiatric Care
In a Flemish sample of parents of children with psychiatric problems, this study evaluates the effect of a parent group training based on nonviolent resistance on family functioning, parenting variables and mental states of the parents, pre- and post-training.
Nonviolent Resistance (NVR) is an intervention method for families and teams that are suffering from helplessness and hopelessness. By empowering individuals through specific focus points and techniques, they can re-establish their role as authority figures for the child. The child, exhibiting dangerous and/or coercive behavior, can feel reconnected and guided.
Previous research has shown that parents score higher on General family functioning, Affective reactions and affective involvement, and Role definitions, but not Behavioral control, Problem solving and Communication. Positive effects were visible at a follow up moment, three months later. Parents reported significantly lower on anxiety for the aggression of their child, the self-efficiency about parental capacities and received social support. General parenting stress diminished significantly. A control group showed no such significant changes.
Participants with specific problems and waiting to be admitted in the residential ward at the study location can receive pre-care, in the form of a parental group training based on NVR. In six two weekly sessions, combined with intermediate telephone support and home assignments, parents are involved in important parent-child-oriented aspects.
This study will evaluate the effect of the training in a Flemish sample, focusing on family functioning, parenting variables and reflective functioning of the parents, pre- and post-training. T1 is at the time between invitation to participate and the first session; T2 is in the first week after the last session (T1 + 12 to 14 weeks); T3 is at three months after the last session; T4 is at six months after the last session.
The following primary outcomes are expected after the parent group:
Secondary outcomes are expected, according to previous research measuring indirect effects of NVR treatment
The investigators also expect parents with a more secure attachment style to benefit more (T2) and longer (T3 and T4) from the training.
Inclusion Criteria:
Parents engage in the NVR training of the child psychiatric clinic at the study location for at least 5 out of 6 training sessions
Exclusion Criteria:
bart.colson@uzbrussel.be003224776072
edward.campforts@uzbrussel.be003224776072