The Experts below are selected from a list of 69 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Theresa S Betancourt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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engaging refugee families in a Family Strengthening intervention to promote child mental health and Family functioning
2020Co-Authors: Rochelle L Frounfelker, Tej Mishra, Bhuwan Gautam, Jenna M Berent, Abdirahman Abdi, Theresa S BetancourtAbstract:This chapter provides a brief overview of barriers that mental health practitioners face when working with refugee children and families and the importance of engaging with refugee communities in equitable partnerships in order to improve engagement in, and effectiveness of, Family Strengthening interventions. Challenges include stigma around mental health as well as formal mental healthcare systems not well adapted to meet the needs of refugee families. Practical barriers include the challenge of prioritizing addressing mental health problems, while refugee families are in the midst of dealing with competing stressors related to displacement or third country resettlement. Other issues arise within the clinical encounter, such as dependence on outside interpreters for communication between practitioners and clients, which make engaging in treatment challenging and undesirable. Authors draw upon their own experiences as refugee community leaders, healthcare professionals, and researchers engaged in community-based refugee mental health work to provide practical recommendations and strategies to overcome these barriers and work with refugee children and families.
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Family based prevention of mental health problems in children affected by hiv and aids an open trial
AIDS, 2014Co-Authors: Theresa S Betancourt, Charles Ingabire, Christina Mushashi, Sharon Teta, Lauren C Ng, Catherine M Kirk, Morris Munyanah, William R Beardslee, Robert T Brennan, Ista ZahnAbstract:Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention to reduce mental health problems and bolster resilience among children living in households affected by caregiver HIV in Rwanda. Design: Pre-post design, including 6-month follow-up. Methods: The Family Strengthening Intervention (FSI) aims to reduce mental health problems among HIV-affected children through improved child–caregiver relationships, Family communication and parenting skills, HIV psychoeducation and connections to resources. Twenty families (N ¼ 39 children) with at least one HIV-positive caregiver and one child 7–17 years old were enrolled in the FSI. Children and caregivers were administered locally adapted and validated measures of child mental health problems, as well as measures of protective processes and parenting. Assessments were administered at pre and postintervention, and 6-month follow-up. Multilevel models accounting for clustering by Family tested changes in outcomes of interest. Qualitative interviews were completed to understand acceptability, feasibility and satisfaction with the FSI. Results: Families reported high satisfaction with the FSI. Caregiver-reported improvements in Family connectedness, good parenting, social support and children’s pro-social behaviour (P < 0.05) were sustained and strengthened from postintervention to 6-month follow-up. Additional improvements in caregiver-reported child perseverance/selfesteem, depression, anxiety and irritability were seen at follow-up (P < .05). Significant decreases in child-reported harsh punishment were observed at postintervention and follow-up, and decreases in caregiver reported harsh punishment were also recorded on follow-up (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The FSI is a feasible and acceptable intervention that shows promise for improving mental health symptoms and Strengthening protective factors among children and families affected by HIV in low-resource settings. 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins AIDS 2014, 28 (Suppl 3):S359–S368
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using mixed methods research to adapt and evaluate a Family Strengthening intervention in rwanda
African journal of traumatic stress, 2011Co-Authors: Theresa S Betancourt, Sarah E Meyersohki, Anne Stevenson, Charles Ingabire, Fredrick Kanyanganzi, Morris Munyana, Christina Mushashi, Sharon Teta, Ildephonse Fayida, Felix R CyamatareAbstract:Introduction Research in several international settings indicates that children and adolescents affected by HIV and other compounded adversities are at increased risk for a range of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. More intervention research is needed to develop valid measurement and intervention tools to address child mental health in such settings. Objective This article presents a collaborative mixed-methods approach to designing and evaluating a mental health intervention to assist families facing multiple adversities in Rwanda. Methods Qualitative methods were used to gain knowledge of culturally-relevant mental health problems in children and adolescents, individual, Family and community resources, and contextual dynamics among HIV-affected families. This data was used to guide the selection and adaptation of mental health measures to assess intervention outcomes. Measures were subjected to a quantitative validation exercise. Qualitative data and community advisory board input also informed the selection and adaptation of a Family-based preventive intervention to reduce the risk for mental health problems among children in families affected by HIV.. Community-based participatory methods were used to ensure that the intervention targeted relevant problems manifest in Rwandan children and families and built on local strengths. Results Qualitative data on culturally-appropriate practices for building resilience in vulnerable families has enriched the development of a Family-Strengthening Intervention (FSI). Input from community partners has also contributed to creating a feasible and culturally-relevant intervention. Mental health measures demonstrate strong performance in this population. Conclusion The mixed-methods model discussed represents a refined, multi-phase protocol for incorporating qualitative data and community input in the development and evaluation of feasible, culturally-sound quantitative assessments and intervention models. The mixed-methods approach may be applied to research in other parts of sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Denise C Gottfredson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the Strengthening washington d c families project a randomized effectiveness trial of Family based prevention
Prevention Science, 2006Co-Authors: Karol L Kumpfer, Denise C Gottfredson, Danielle Polizzifox, David B Wilson, Veronica Puryear, Penny Beatty, Myriam VilmenayAbstract:The Strengthening Washington DC Families Project (SWFP) examined implementation fidelity and effectiveness when a selective, evidence-based prevention program was implemented with a sample of 715 predominantly African American families across multiple settings in an urban area. Using a true experimental design, this study reports on the differential effectiveness of four conditions (child skills training only, parent skills training only, parent and child skills training plus Family skills training, and minimal treatment controls) in reducing child antisocial behavior and its precursors. Major challenges with recruitment and retention of participants and uneven program coverage were documented. No statistically significant positive effects for any of the program conditions were observed, and a statistically significant negative effect on child reports of Negative Peer Associations was observed for children of families assigned to the Family skills training condition. Two marginally significant findings were observed: Child's positive adjustment favored families assigned to Family skills training condition relative to minimal treatment and child training only, and Family supervision and bonding was lower for children in Family skills training than in the other three conditions. Hypotheses about potential explanations for the weaker than expected effects of this program are offered, as are thoughts about the infrastructure necessary to successfully implement Family Strengthening programs and the future of prevention science.
Karol L Kumpfer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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prevention approaches to enhance resilience among high risk youth comments on the papers of dishion connell and greenberg
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2006Co-Authors: Karol L Kumpfer, Julia Franklin SummerhaysAbstract:This article synthesizes research on resilience theory and its implications for prevention interventions to increase resilience in high-risk children and adolescents. In addition, this response to both the articles by Drs. Greenberg and Dishion summarizes their key points. Their papers discuss the neuroscience substrate behind two major mediators of antisocial behaviors, namely lack of self-regulation and executive function problems. In addition, we present an overall Resilience Framework that will help the reader organize the aspects of resilience discussed by these two researchers into a transactional process model. This article extends prior researchers' suggestion that resilience is the product of the interaction of genetic, biological, and environmental precursors to a further consideration of higher-level cognitive precursors, such as purpose in life and existential meaning. The relevance of resilience to the prevention of negative outcomes in high-risk children of alcoholics (COAs) and substance abusers is covered. Within this third wave of resilience research on prevention interventions, we present data suggesting that Family Strengthening approaches have the greatest impact on increasing resilience.
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the Strengthening washington d c families project a randomized effectiveness trial of Family based prevention
Prevention Science, 2006Co-Authors: Karol L Kumpfer, Denise C Gottfredson, Danielle Polizzifox, David B Wilson, Veronica Puryear, Penny Beatty, Myriam VilmenayAbstract:The Strengthening Washington DC Families Project (SWFP) examined implementation fidelity and effectiveness when a selective, evidence-based prevention program was implemented with a sample of 715 predominantly African American families across multiple settings in an urban area. Using a true experimental design, this study reports on the differential effectiveness of four conditions (child skills training only, parent skills training only, parent and child skills training plus Family skills training, and minimal treatment controls) in reducing child antisocial behavior and its precursors. Major challenges with recruitment and retention of participants and uneven program coverage were documented. No statistically significant positive effects for any of the program conditions were observed, and a statistically significant negative effect on child reports of Negative Peer Associations was observed for children of families assigned to the Family skills training condition. Two marginally significant findings were observed: Child's positive adjustment favored families assigned to Family skills training condition relative to minimal treatment and child training only, and Family supervision and bonding was lower for children in Family skills training than in the other three conditions. Hypotheses about potential explanations for the weaker than expected effects of this program are offered, as are thoughts about the infrastructure necessary to successfully implement Family Strengthening programs and the future of prevention science.
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Family Strengthening approaches for the prevention of youth problem behaviors
American Psychologist, 2003Co-Authors: Karol L Kumpfer, Rose AlvaradoAbstract:Effective parenting is the most powerful way to reduce adolescent problem behaviors. Dissemination of research-based Family interventions has been slow, with most practitioners still implementing ineffective programs. This article reviews 2 federal studies that involved national searches for effective Family interventions targeting pre-birth to adolescence: Preventing Substance Abuse Among Children and Adolescents: Family-Centered Approaches (Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, 1998) and Strengthening America's Families (R. Alvarado, K. L. Kumpfer, K. Kendall, S. Beesley, & C. Lee-Cavaness, 2000). Results identified 3 effective prevention approaches, 13 principles of effectiveness, and 35 programs. Recommendations include increased dissemination research on training and technical assistance systems, adoption with fidelity and quality, and gender-, age-, and culturally sensitive adaptations.
Ista Zahn - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Family based prevention of mental health problems in children affected by hiv and aids an open trial
AIDS, 2014Co-Authors: Theresa S Betancourt, Charles Ingabire, Christina Mushashi, Sharon Teta, Lauren C Ng, Catherine M Kirk, Morris Munyanah, William R Beardslee, Robert T Brennan, Ista ZahnAbstract:Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention to reduce mental health problems and bolster resilience among children living in households affected by caregiver HIV in Rwanda. Design: Pre-post design, including 6-month follow-up. Methods: The Family Strengthening Intervention (FSI) aims to reduce mental health problems among HIV-affected children through improved child–caregiver relationships, Family communication and parenting skills, HIV psychoeducation and connections to resources. Twenty families (N ¼ 39 children) with at least one HIV-positive caregiver and one child 7–17 years old were enrolled in the FSI. Children and caregivers were administered locally adapted and validated measures of child mental health problems, as well as measures of protective processes and parenting. Assessments were administered at pre and postintervention, and 6-month follow-up. Multilevel models accounting for clustering by Family tested changes in outcomes of interest. Qualitative interviews were completed to understand acceptability, feasibility and satisfaction with the FSI. Results: Families reported high satisfaction with the FSI. Caregiver-reported improvements in Family connectedness, good parenting, social support and children’s pro-social behaviour (P < 0.05) were sustained and strengthened from postintervention to 6-month follow-up. Additional improvements in caregiver-reported child perseverance/selfesteem, depression, anxiety and irritability were seen at follow-up (P < .05). Significant decreases in child-reported harsh punishment were observed at postintervention and follow-up, and decreases in caregiver reported harsh punishment were also recorded on follow-up (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The FSI is a feasible and acceptable intervention that shows promise for improving mental health symptoms and Strengthening protective factors among children and families affected by HIV in low-resource settings. 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins AIDS 2014, 28 (Suppl 3):S359–S368
Sharon Teta - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Family based prevention of mental health problems in children affected by hiv and aids an open trial
AIDS, 2014Co-Authors: Theresa S Betancourt, Charles Ingabire, Christina Mushashi, Sharon Teta, Lauren C Ng, Catherine M Kirk, Morris Munyanah, William R Beardslee, Robert T Brennan, Ista ZahnAbstract:Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention to reduce mental health problems and bolster resilience among children living in households affected by caregiver HIV in Rwanda. Design: Pre-post design, including 6-month follow-up. Methods: The Family Strengthening Intervention (FSI) aims to reduce mental health problems among HIV-affected children through improved child–caregiver relationships, Family communication and parenting skills, HIV psychoeducation and connections to resources. Twenty families (N ¼ 39 children) with at least one HIV-positive caregiver and one child 7–17 years old were enrolled in the FSI. Children and caregivers were administered locally adapted and validated measures of child mental health problems, as well as measures of protective processes and parenting. Assessments were administered at pre and postintervention, and 6-month follow-up. Multilevel models accounting for clustering by Family tested changes in outcomes of interest. Qualitative interviews were completed to understand acceptability, feasibility and satisfaction with the FSI. Results: Families reported high satisfaction with the FSI. Caregiver-reported improvements in Family connectedness, good parenting, social support and children’s pro-social behaviour (P < 0.05) were sustained and strengthened from postintervention to 6-month follow-up. Additional improvements in caregiver-reported child perseverance/selfesteem, depression, anxiety and irritability were seen at follow-up (P < .05). Significant decreases in child-reported harsh punishment were observed at postintervention and follow-up, and decreases in caregiver reported harsh punishment were also recorded on follow-up (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The FSI is a feasible and acceptable intervention that shows promise for improving mental health symptoms and Strengthening protective factors among children and families affected by HIV in low-resource settings. 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins AIDS 2014, 28 (Suppl 3):S359–S368
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using mixed methods research to adapt and evaluate a Family Strengthening intervention in rwanda
African journal of traumatic stress, 2011Co-Authors: Theresa S Betancourt, Sarah E Meyersohki, Anne Stevenson, Charles Ingabire, Fredrick Kanyanganzi, Morris Munyana, Christina Mushashi, Sharon Teta, Ildephonse Fayida, Felix R CyamatareAbstract:Introduction Research in several international settings indicates that children and adolescents affected by HIV and other compounded adversities are at increased risk for a range of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. More intervention research is needed to develop valid measurement and intervention tools to address child mental health in such settings. Objective This article presents a collaborative mixed-methods approach to designing and evaluating a mental health intervention to assist families facing multiple adversities in Rwanda. Methods Qualitative methods were used to gain knowledge of culturally-relevant mental health problems in children and adolescents, individual, Family and community resources, and contextual dynamics among HIV-affected families. This data was used to guide the selection and adaptation of mental health measures to assess intervention outcomes. Measures were subjected to a quantitative validation exercise. Qualitative data and community advisory board input also informed the selection and adaptation of a Family-based preventive intervention to reduce the risk for mental health problems among children in families affected by HIV.. Community-based participatory methods were used to ensure that the intervention targeted relevant problems manifest in Rwandan children and families and built on local strengths. Results Qualitative data on culturally-appropriate practices for building resilience in vulnerable families has enriched the development of a Family-Strengthening Intervention (FSI). Input from community partners has also contributed to creating a feasible and culturally-relevant intervention. Mental health measures demonstrate strong performance in this population. Conclusion The mixed-methods model discussed represents a refined, multi-phase protocol for incorporating qualitative data and community input in the development and evaluation of feasible, culturally-sound quantitative assessments and intervention models. The mixed-methods approach may be applied to research in other parts of sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
