Counseling program for children of substance abusing families Mental and Behavioural Disorders
Conditions
Interventions
Intervention group, participants N = 120, group intervention with 9 modules (each 90 min), relevant addiction-related content
Control group, participants N = 120, play group with 9 modules (each 90 mi
Sponsors
German Center for Addiction Research in Childhood and Adolescence (DZSKJ) (Germany)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Age range from 8-12 years 2. Current or recent past substance abuse or dependence at least one parent, a positive diagnosis is crucial in the last year 3. The children have in the past two years lived together with the (step) parent, fell ill at least half a year, respectively, have had regular visitation or contact with on weekends - in the case of the parents living apart. 4. Written consent of parents and children to participate in the study 5. No diagnosis or no suspicion of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders = FASD) in children
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Relevant treatment in the last 6 months prior to study at the project site or at another institution (relevant to the objectives of this study treatment, e.g. when the child was explicitly told about the impact of parental addiction, counseling or support is provided. 1.1. Not excluded are children participating in group or individual programs unrelated to the study aims, e.g., homework assistance, occupational therapy etc. Children who participate in any kind of programs/groups targeting the substance abuse of the parents have to be excluded 1.2. Has the child attended in the past because of the impact of parental addiction on a specific measure, but this is already longer than 6 months back, the child may participate in the project, since no treatment effects of the measure can be accepted.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Children: 1. Learn effective coping strategies (dealing with emotions, problem-solving strategies in the family, help-seeking behavior). 2. Reduction of mental stress by solving the taboo topic addiction 4. Increase the level of knowledge of the children on the effects of drugs and the effect of addiction on the person and their family 5. Increase self-esteem / building a positive self-concept 6. Increase self-efficacy All data (sociodemographic details, outcome variables) are measured by questionnaires, one for children and one for their parents. Three points of measurement exist: pre treatment, post treatment and six-months-follow-up | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Adults 1.Strengthening the parents regarding their confidence in parenting 2.Promoting parenting skills 3.Greater awareness of the impact of parental addiction on children All data (sociodemographic details, outcome variables) are measured by questionnaires, one for children and one for their parents. Three points of measurement exist: pre treatment, post treatment and six-months-follow-up | — |
Countries
Germany
Outcome results
None listed