Citation

Podorefsky DL, McDonald-Dowdell M, Beardslee WR. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry 2001; 40(8): 879-886.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital and Judge Baker Children's Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA. podorefsky@a1.tch.harvard.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11501686

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe essential elements in the adaptation of a prevention approach with a high-risk urban sample, chosen to contrast sharply with the primarily middle-class sample in which it had been originally tested. METHOD: Key elements of a preventive intervention for families with parental depression were adapted for use in the new context. RESULTS: A sequence of alliance-building events was implemented, involving engagement at three levels: community, caregivers, and family. The prevention approach was modified to include an expanded approach to defining depression and resilience; greater flexibility on the part of the clinician; more intensive engagement between clinician and family, with a focus on immediate daily concerns; as well as awareness of cultural issues and responsiveness to the subject's experience of violence. CONCLUSION: Core principles of helping family members to discuss the effects of depression and adversity on family life were affirmed.

Language: en