Randomized controlled trial of a family cognitive-behavioral preventive intervention for children of depressed parents.
A family cognitive-behavioral preventive intervention for parents with a history of depression and their 9-15-year-old children was compared with a self-study written information condition in a randomized clinical trial (n = 111 families). Outcomes were assessed at postintervention (2 months), after completion of 4 monthly booster sessions (6 months), and at 12-month follow-up. Children were assessed by child reports on depressive symptoms, internalizing problems, and externalizing problems; by parent reports on internalizing and externalizing problems; and by child and parent reports on a standardized diagnostic interview. Parent depressive symptoms and parent episodes of major depression also were assessed. Evidence emerged for significant differences favoring the family group intervention on both child and parent outcomes; strongest effects for child outcomes were found at the 12-month assessment with medium effect sizes on most measures. Implications for the prevention of adverse outcomes in children of depressed parents are highlighted.
Compas
Bruce E
BE
Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203, USA. bruce.compas@vanderbilt.edu
Forehand
Rex
R
Keller
Gary
G
Champion
Jennifer E
JE
Rakow
Aaron
A
Reeslund
Kristen L
KL
McKee
Laura
L
Fear
Jessica M
JM
Colletti
Christina J M
CJ
Hardcastle
Emily
E
Merchant
Mary Jane
MJ
Roberts
Lori
L
Potts
Jennifer
J
Garai
Emily
E
Coffelt
Nicole
N
Roland
Erin
E
Sterba
Sonya K
SK
Cole
David A
DA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005196:Family Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012931:Social Environment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome