Integration of Functional Family Therapy and Psychoeducational Video to Reduce Adolescent Behavioral Problems
Abstract
This study examined the effectiveness of Functional Family Therapy (FFT) combined with a family-function psychoeducational video in reducing behavioral difficulties among adolescents. Using a pretest–posttest design without a control group, five adolescents identified with behavioral problems based on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) received FFT intervention consisting of four structured weekly sessions (90–120 minutes each) delivered over one month covering engagement and motivation, behavior change with the adolescent, behavior change with the parent, and generalization supplemented by an educational video watched independently at home. Given the very small sample size, pretest–posttest differences were analyzed using the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test rather than a parametric test. Results showed a decrease in the mean total difficulties score from 16.2 to 9.6, with the most consistent reduction observed in the conduct problems subscale (a decrease in all five subjects) and in peer problems (four of five subjects), while the hyperactivity subscale showed almost no change (only one of five subjects improved). As the exact two-sided Wilcoxon test can reach a minimum p-value of only .0625 when n = 5, none of the observed reductions reached the conventional significance threshold of p < .05, although the total difficulties score and the conduct problems subscale approached this boundary (p = .0625) with a fully consistent direction of change across subjects. These preliminary findings suggest that integrating FFT with a psychoeducational video may have the potential to support improvements in family functioning and adolescents’ conduct-related behavior, but the very small sample, the absence of a control group, and the simultaneous delivery of FFT and the video mean the results cannot be interpreted as definitive evidence of effectiveness. Larger, controlled studies are needed to confirm these preliminary indications.