Do Family Interventions Help to Improve Family Dynamics? The Impact of PCF-AFECT 12–16

Abstract

Objective: This paper analyses changes in the family dynamics of the participants of a family prevention program, taking into consideration possible differences between the mothers and fathers and differences according to the sex of the participating adolescents. Background: Fostering family communication and resilience, parent–child relations, and family cohesion is fundamental in positive family dynamics. Method: The study has a quasi-experimental design, with pretest and posttest assessments of the experimental and control groups. A total sample of 252 families took part in the program. Results: In the data reported by the mothers, differences were identified between the experimental group and the control group in the three factors that were analyzed (improvements in family resilience and communication, parent–adolescent relations, and family cohesion), while in the data reported by the fathers, there were differences in two factors (family resilience and communication and parent–adolescent relations). No differences were observed according to the sex of the participating adolescents. Conclusion: In comparison with the control group, better outcomes were achieved by the families who took part in the program on its completion. Implications: Preventive family interventions are a tool in improving family dynamics and in boosting protective factors for all the members of a family. They should be included in strategic social, educational, and healthcare intervention plans.