OBJECTIVE: This study examines 6-month follow-up data from participants in a randomized trial of a peer-driven 12-session family support and education program, called family-to-family (FTF) and offered by the US National Alliance on Mental Illness, to determine whether improvements in distress, family functioning, coping and empowerment were sustained. METHOD: Individuals randomized to the FTF condition were assessed after program completion and then 3 months later on measures of distress, family functioning, coping, and empowerment. We used a multilevel regression model (sas proc mixed) to test for significant changes over time (baseline, 3 and 9 months). RESULTS: All significant benefits that FTF participants gained between baseline and immediately post-FTF were sustained at 9 months including reduced anxiety, improved family problem-solving, increased positive coping, and increased knowledge. Greater class attendance was associated with larger increases in empowerment and reductions in depression and displeasure with ill relative. CONCLUSION: Evidence suggests that benefits of the FTF program were sustained for at least 6 months without any additional boosters or supports. Peer-based programs may produce sustained benefits for individuals seeking help in addressing challenges and stresses related to having a family member with a mental illness.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: This study examines 6-month follow-up data from participants in a randomized trial of a peer-driven 12-session family support and education program, called family-to-family (FTF) and offered by the US National Alliance on Mental Illness, to determine whether improvements in distress, family functioning, coping and empowerment were sustained. METHOD: Individuals randomized to the FTF condition were assessed after program completion and then 3 months later on measures of distress, family functioning, coping, and empowerment. We used a multilevel regression model (sas proc mixed) to test for significant changes over time (baseline, 3 and 9 months). RESULTS: All significant benefits that FTFparticipants gained between baseline and immediately post-FTF were sustained at 9 months including reduced anxiety, improved family problem-solving, increased positive coping, and increased knowledge. Greater class attendance was associated with larger increases in empowerment and reductions in depression and displeasure with ill relative. CONCLUSION: Evidence suggests that benefits of the FTF program were sustained for at least 6 months without any additional boosters or supports. Peer-based programs may produce sustained benefits for individuals seeking help in addressing challenges and stresses related to having a family member with a mental illness.
Authors: L Dixon; A Lucksted; B Stewart; J Burland; C H Brown; L Postrado; C McGuire; M Hoffman Journal: Acta Psychiatr Scand Date: 2004-03 Impact factor: 6.392
Authors: Amy L Drapalski; Tina Marshall; Diana Seybolt; Deborah Medoff; Jason Peer; Jaclyn Leith; Lisa B Dixon Journal: Psychiatr Serv Date: 2008-06 Impact factor: 3.084
Authors: Susan A Pickett-Schenk; Judith A Cook; Pamela Steigman; Richard Lippincott; Cynthia Bennett; Dennis D Grey Journal: Arch Gen Psychiatry Date: 2006-09
Authors: Jan Ivar Rossberg; J O Johannessen; O Klungsoyr; S Opjordsmoen; J Evensen; A Fjell; U Haahr; I Joa; J Langeveld; T K Larsen; I Melle; B R Rund; E Simonsen; W ten Velden; P Vaglum; S Friis; T McGlashan Journal: Acta Psychiatr Scand Date: 2010-11 Impact factor: 6.392
Authors: Nienke Nakken; Daisy J A Janssen; Esther H A van den Bogaart; Jean W M Muris; Jan H Vercoulen; Frank L Custers; Gerben P Bootsma; Michiel H M Gronenschild; Emiel F M Wouters; Martijn A Spruit Journal: BMC Pulm Med Date: 2017-10-30 Impact factor: 3.317