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Efficacy of Family Constellations in the General Population

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Mild to Moderate Psychopathological Symptoms
Interventions
Behavioral: Family / systemic constellation therapy
Registration Number
NCT05051462
Lead Sponsor
Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of systemic / family constellation therapy in improving mild-moderate psychopathological symptoms and overall wellbeing in the general population. Given the limited amount of evidence on this therapeutic method, special attention will be given to monitor potential adverse outcomes to establish intervention safety. The study will use a randomized, wait-list controlled design and a 6-month follow-up time. This is the second study of this nature following a similar study from Germany.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
80
Inclusion Criteria
  • Ability to participate in the in-person intervention on the date randomly assigned to them
Exclusion Criteria
  • Participation in family / systemic constellation therapy within the 12 months prior to study launch
  • Current mental disorder diagnosed by an eligible health care professional

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Intervention groupFamily / systemic constellation therapyStudy participants participating in family constellation therapy between assessment 1 and 2.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Brief Symptom Inventory scores6 month post-intervention

The Brief Symptom Inventory is a a broad-spectrum measure of psychopathology covering 9 symptom dimensions: Somatization, Obsessive-compulsive symptoms, Interpersonal sensitivity, Depression, Anxiety, Hostility, Phobic anxiety, Paranoid ideation, and Psychoticism. The BSI also includes a global index of distress (the General Severity Index, GSI) that reflects the mean of all items.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in substance- and behavioral addiction severity using an abbreviated, 8-item version of the Screener for Substance and Behavioral Addictions (SSBA-S)6 month post-intervention

The SSBA-S is a short screening instrument for measuring self-attributed addiction problems in the general population. The SSBA-S is comprised of four self-report item stems, each reflecting a distinct sign or symptom of potentially problematic involvement in either substance-related or behavioral addictions ("I did it too much;" "Once I started, I couldn't stop;" "I felt I had to do it in order to function;" and "I continued to do it, even though it caused problems"). Scores range between 4 and 28 both for substance-related and behavioral addictions with higher scores indicative of higher problem severity.

Change in perceived level of meaning in life using the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ)6 month post-intervention

The MLQ assesses both the presence of and search for meaning in a respondent's life. The scale consists of 10 items (5 items measuring both subconstructs). In both cases, scores range between 5 and 35 but while in the case of presence of meaning, higher scores indicate better functioning; in the case of search for meaning, higher scores are indicative of poorer mental health.

Change in quality of life specific to interpersonal relationships using the Experience in Personal Social Systems Questionnaire (EXIS.pers)6 month post-intervention

The EXIS.pers assesses the subjective experiences of the individual in their personal social system (e.g. family, circle of friends) covering four dimensions in relation to belonging, autonomy, accord, and confidence. Scores range between 12 and 72 with higher scores are indicative of better functioning.

Change in eating disorder risk assessed by the SCOFF screening test6 month post-intervention

The SCOFF consists of five yes-or-no type questions assessing eating disorder symptoms or risk factors. Higher scores (ranging between 0 and 5) are indicative of greater risk. At least two positive answers (score of 2) indicate a high likelihood of an eating disorder.

Qualitative responses on the perceived effects of the intervention will also be collected both in terms of positive and negative perceived effects using open ended, ad hoc questions6 month post-intervention

Four open-ended questions will be asked from respondents, one covering each of the following domains: positive changes in interpersonal life, positive changes in health, negative changes in interpersonal life, and negative changes in health.

Change in life satisfaction using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)6 month post-intervention

The SWLS is a measure of general satisfaction with one's life. Scores range from 5 to 35 with higher scores indicative of higher life satisfaction.

Change in general well-being using the 5-item version of the WHO Wellbeing Index (WBI-5)6 month post-intervention

The WBI-5 measures participants' overall subjective well-being. Scores range between 0 and 15 with higher scores indicative of greater well-being.

Qualitative responses on the perceived effects of the intervention will also be collected both in terms of positive and negative perceived effects using open ended, ad hoc questions.1 month post-intervention

Four open-ended questions will be asked from respondents, one covering each of the following domains: positive changes in interpersonal life, positive changes in health, negative changes in interpersonal life, and negative changes in health.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary

🇭🇺

Budapest, Hungary

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