Perceived effectiveness of filial therapy for a Jamaican mother: A qualitative case study.

Abstract

Although filial therapy has traditionally been viewed as suitable for children of diverse cultures, there is limited research to support this perspective. This qualitative case study examined the perceived effectiveness of filial therapy for a Jamaican mother and the perceived effect on the mother-child relationship. Findings indicate that some aspects of filial therapy are congruent with the parenting practices and values of this Jamaican mother. The mother reported an increase in empathy, a heightened awareness of her child's needs, and a stronger relationship with her child. She expressed some difficulty with limit setting and tracking skills taught as part of the model. Future research directions include further examination of the compatibility of filial therapy with other Jamaican parents and the effectiveness of group filial therapy with Jamaican parents or other parents of Caribbean descent.

The Use of Child Parent Relationship Therapy and Common Parent Concerns

“…In research by Edwards, Ladner, and White (2007), one mother expressed concern that the limit setting and choice giving language was difficult for her and her child. To a large degree, parent's hesitancy with the CPRT process encompasses the process, skills learned, and changes in the parent-child interaction styles.…”

The Process of Systemic Change in Filial Therapy: A Phenomenological Study of Parent Experience

“…A study of a Jamaican mother's perceived effectiveness of filial therapy and its impact on her relationship with her child revealed an improved parent-child relationship (Edwards et al 2007), and a study with an African American parent revealed improvements in the parent, child, and parent-child relationship (Solis et al 2004). Finally, a single case qualitative study was conducted to explore the process of change in filial therapy, and findings revealed ''moments of movement'' in the treatment process, although a normative model of the process was not developed (Winek et al 2003).…”

A Filial Therapy Model Through a Family Therapy Lens

“…In addition, the most rigorous outcome research studies have consistently revealed support for filial therapy in decreasing child behavior problems, decreasing parent-child relationship stress, and improving the empathic responsiveness of parents toward their children (see Bratton, Landreth, & Lin, 2010). Several researchers performing qualitative analyses of filial therapy have noted that parents reported improved parent-child relationships (Bavin-Hoffman, Jennings, & Landreth, 1996;Edwards, Ladner, & White, 2007;Edwards, Sullivan, MeanyWalen, & Kantor, 2010;Foley, Higdon, & White, 2006;Garza, Kinsworthy, & Watts, 2009;Kinsworthy & Garza, 2010;Lahti, 1992;Sangganjanavanich, Cook, & Rangel-Gomez, 2010;Solis, Meyers, & Varjas, 2004;West, 2010;Wickstrom, 2009). In addition, qualitative studies conducted by BavinHoffman, Jennings, and Landreth (1996), Lahti (1992), and Wickstrom (2009) have resulted in findings that are suggestive of potential changes occurring in the family as a whole.…”

“…In addition, these researchers found that initiating affection and feelings of connection between parents and children facilitated play sessions. CPRT-trained parents, through qualitative studies, have consistently reported an increased awareness of the feelings or needs of their children (Edwards et al, 2007;Foley et al 2006;Kinsworthy & Garza, 2010;Lahti, 1992;Solis et al 2004;Wickstrom, 2009). Taken as a whole, these findings from research suggest that filial therapy helps to initiate interactions involving emotional expression in the parent-child relationship.…”