Effectiveness of Functional Family Therapy in a Non‐Western Context: Findings from a Randomized‐Controlled Evaluation of Youth Offenders in Singapore

Abstract

This study is the first to evaluate Functional Family Therapy (FFT) in a non‐Western culture. The effectiveness of FFT was examined in relation to three proximal outcomes relevant to youth offender rehabilitation: (i) mental well‐being, (ii) family functioning, and (iii) probation completion. 120 youth probationers (Mage = 16.2, SD = 1.33) were randomly assigned to receive either standard probation services—Treatment‐As‐Usual (TAU; n = 57)—or FFT in addition to TAU (FFT; n = 63). Data on psychometric measures of mental well‐being and family functioning were obtained at (i) preprogram, (ii) postprogram, and (iii) at the end of probation. Probation completion data were obtained from casefile records. Mean mental well‐being scores of the FFT group improved from pre‐ to post‐treatment, and gains were maintained at follow‐up. However, there was a nonsignificant trend for the FFT group showing higher rates of reliable change and clinical recovery on the mental well‐being scale. There were no group differences in family functioning scores over time. However, there was a significant trend for the FFT group showing higher rates of reliable change and clinical recovery on the family functioning scale. Probation completion rates were 88.9% and 70.2% for the FFT and TAU groups, respectively. Youth in the FFT group were significantly more likely to complete probation successfully. The results support FFT’s effectiveness in Singaporean youth offenders. At a broader level, the study findings support the cross‐cultural effectiveness of FFT in, and transportability to, a non‐Western culture.

Functional family therapy for adolescent disruptive behavior in Norway: Results from a randomized controlled trial.

“…In a recent evidence-based update on psychosocial treatments for adolescents with disruptive behavior, McCart et al (2023) classified FFT in the highest evidence category (well-established) for juvenile justice-involved youth, while for nonjuvenile justice-involved youths, it was classified as possibly efficacious. The effects of FFT have been extensively researched, but the majority of the studies have been conducted in contexts where participants were recruited from the juvenile justice system (e.g., Gan et al, 2021; Gordon et al, 1995; Humayun et al, 2017). Fewer studies have been carried out in social services or child and family welfare services for youths where juvenile justice involvement has not been an intake criterion (e.g., Hartnett et al, 2016; Slesnick & Prestopnik, 2009).…”