Sustaining change following multisystemic therapy; caregivers’ perspectives.

Kaur, P., Pote, H., Fox, S., & Paradisopolous, D. (2015). Sustaining change following multisystemic therapy; caregivers’ perspectives. Journal of Family Therapy. DOI: 10.1111/1467-6427.12093

This study explored the process of sustaining positive outcomes following MST from caregiver perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were carried out 5–21 months post-MST with 12 caregivers. A grounded theory methodology was used to analyse the data. Caregivers in this study identified the following themes as contributing to sustaining change; improvements in their relationship with their child, shifting how they viewed difficulties and solutions and feeling personally strengthened and resilient. The therapeutic alliance in MST was described as important in initiating these changes. Clinical implications and how the themes from this study fit into the existing model of change in MST are discussed.