Motiv8: Examining Treatment Motivation Among Youth and Parents in Forensic Treatment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how treatment motivation develops over time in youth and their parents during forensic systemic therapy at a juvenile justice center. The project focuses on understanding changes in motivation during transitions from inpatient to outpatient care, identifying factors that influence motivation, exploring underlying mechanisms, and examining how motivation impacts staying in treatment and achieving therapy goals. The study uses a Multiple Case Experimental Design with two groups of juvenile residents undergoing Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT). MDFT is a structured, intensive behavioral therapy that addresses adolescent issues like substance use, delinquency, and family dynamics. The study includes two groups: ten short-stay residents who receive residential MDFT for 1-3 months followed by outpatient therapy, and six long-term residents who receive MDFT during longer detention periods. This approach looks at treatment motivation from multiple perspectives including youth, parents, and therapists. Participants will complete validated questionnaires measuring treatment motivation, therapeutic alliance, sense of competence, and behavior at regular intervals across different phases of care. Data is collected repeatedly over weeks to months during baseline, inpatient therapy, and outpatient therapy phases. Qualitative interviews are also conducted at the end of each phase to deepen understanding. The total study duration varies based on group and phase, with ongoing assessments to monitor the progression of motivation and related outcomes.

MOTIV8 - Treatment Motivation in Forensic Youth Treatment