Testing a Family Program to Improve Mental Health by Supporting Communication and Conflict Resolution in Children and Their Caregivers

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducation-based program designed to support mental health in families by improving communication and conflict resolution. The study focuses on families with children aged 4 to 17 and examines how reducing stress and enhancing communication can benefit both children and their caregivers. The program is being tested to understand its impact on family mental health and to explore factors that influence its use in community settings. Families are randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the self-study group, families receive written information to review on their own along with weekly contact from a family coach. In the parent-child intervention group, families receive the same self-study materials and coaching calls but also participate in live video sessions with a coach who provides feedback and guidance on communication techniques. The intervention lasts four weeks, followed by assessments to measure outcomes. Participants will complete assessments before and after the four-week program as well as a follow-up one year later. The study collects data through questionnaires that measure strengths, difficulties, depression, anxiety, behavior, and family interactions. Researchers also evaluate organizational factors related to implementing the program. The total participation duration includes the initial assessment, intervention period, post-test, and one-year follow-up to track long-term effects.

The Happy Families Project: Testing the Effectiveness of a Conflict Resolution Program for Families