Safety, Feasibility and Family Experiences of Preventive Interventions for Children and Families with Parental Depression

Abstract

We report on the safety and feasibility and family members’ experiences of two public health interventions for families with depressed parents. Depressed patients (N = 119) with children were randomised into either a one- or two-session discussion conducted by a clinician with parents, or a family intervention involving the whole family. Family members’ experiences were assessed by questionnaires. Clinicians provided information on intervention fidelity. The interventions proved safe and feasible, and were delivered with fidelity. Parents and children reported positive working relationships, increases in family understanding and decrease of worry. Children reported that they would recommend the intervention to others. Parents reported enhanced self-understanding, parenting and future orientation. While both interventions were received positively, parental perceptions of the family intervention were more positive. Child-centred public health interventions can be trained and implemented in adult mental health settings. Such approaches are valued by parents and children.

Keywords:

• family
• parental depression
• preventive intervention
• implementation
• user experiences