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The Efficacy of Family Therapy for Adolescent Conduct Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Family therapy has been recognized as a valuable intervention for adolescent conduct disorder, targeting family dynamics and communication patterns that contribute to behavioral problems. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of family therapy in reducing conduct disorder symptoms and improving family functioning in adolescents. Through an extensive literature review, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from RCTs assessing the effectiveness of family therapy compared to control conditions (e.g., treatment as usual, individual therapy) in targeting conduct disorder symptoms, including aggression, rule-breaking behavior, and defiance. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as treatment duration, therapist experience, family involvement, and adolescent characteristics (e.g., age, gender), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of family therapy for adolescent conduct disorder.
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References
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