Feasibility of a Family-Focused Intervention for the Prevention of Problem Behavior in Early Adolescents

ABSTRACT

The present study concerns the feasibility of the Families in Transition (FIT) program, a family-focused intervention for the prevention of problem behavior in early adolescents. To date, family-focused intervention has been under-used and insufficiently studied in Europe. The aims of the study are threefold–first, to test the feasibility of recruiting and retaining at-risk families in a family-focused preventive intervention; second, to monitor the implementation of the program parameters and techniques; and, third, to assess participants' satisfaction. The results are promising in that 21 at-risk families could be recruited, 13 of whom completed the intervention. The eight dropout families reported clinical levels of problem behavior, indicating a need for more intensive interventions. The program parameters and techniques were largely imzplemented as intended and the participants reported high satisfaction levels. Potential areas of improvement are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Family-focused intervention
• parent-adolescent interaction
• early adolescence
• dropout
• program development
• feasibility