The Association between Trainer Expertise and Changes in Adolescent Symptomatology in an Evidence-Based Family Prevention Programme

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess whether the outcomes of implementations of the Universal Strengthening Families Program (SFP 11–14) are linked to the competences or specific skills of the trainers of social field who gave them. Method: The analyzed data was based on ratings awarded by the 174 mothers participating in the SFP 11–14. By conducting a K-means cluster analysis, significant groups were identified, based on the ratings awarded to the trainers. Results/Discussion: A comparison of the clusters led to the identification of significant differences between cluster 2 (trainers with limited skills) and the other clusters in terms of changes in the children’s symptoms after participating in the SFP 11–14. Trainers with limited skills were associated with fewer changes in the symptomatology. It highlights the importance of proficient trainers in programme outcomes, and it could serve as a guide for the public social work in the design of EBP.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Notes

1. The correct term is Research-Supported Treatments (RST). However, Evidence-Based Programs (EBP) is used in the article because it was the approved by funded project.

Additional information

Funding

Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (MINECO), Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) for the project, Grant/Award Number: EDU2016-79235-R “Validation of the Family Competence Program” [MINECO/AEI/ERDF, EU].