BEST-Foundations: a mixed methods exploration of the feasibility of a novel intervention treating internalising symptoms in children
Creators: name: Benstead, Michelle L.
name: Lewis, Andrew J.
name: Knight, Tess
name: Rowland, Bosco
name: Toumbourou, John W.
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2023
Subjects: Medicine
Biotechnology
Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
Science Policy
Mental Health

description: Internalising disorders are one of the most common mental health problems in children under 12 years, yet mixed findings exist for current treatment options. This pilot involves a novel 10-session intervention, BEST-Foundations, to treat internalising symptoms in children using a family-inclusive model. Initial findings and feasibility using a mixed-methods approach are reported. Twenty-two participants from eight families (<i>n</i> = 8 children; <i>n</i> = 8 mothers; <i>n</i> = 6 fathers) participated in an uncontrolled single treatment design. Included children (aged 3–11 years) reported clinical-level internalising symptoms on the Child Behaviour Checklist. Data were collected across four timepoints: baseline, pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 4-weeks follow-up. As predicted, mothers reported large improvements in child internalising symptoms pre-post (SMD = −.83; 95% CI = 50.58–70.42) and maintained pre to follow-up (SMD = −.92; 95% CI = 50.14–69.11). Sustained improvements were also found in externalising problems and total problems. Qualitative analysis indicated families reported positive improvements in targeted areas including parent confidence and parent–child relationships. Findings demonstrate initial feasibility data and effect size estimates comparable to previous trials using the “BEST” framework, and larger than CBT-based interventions. Results are considered preliminary due to the small sample. Further evaluation is warranted, showing the value of family-inclusive interventions to treat child internalising problems. <b>What is already known about this topic</b>:
Modifiable family-based risk and protective factors influence internalising symptoms in children.Currently, inconclusive support exists for targeted treatment options for child internalising symptoms, highlighting the need to explore novel, feasible, evidence-based approaches for children under 12 years.Parental involvement in treatment is considerably heterogeneous, and the inclusion of fathers is lacking. Modifiable family-based risk and protective factors influence internalising symptoms in children. Currently, inconclusive support exists for targeted treatment options for child internalising symptoms, highlighting the need to explore novel, feasible, evidence-based approaches for children under 12 years. Parental involvement in treatment is considerably heterogeneous, and the inclusion of fathers is lacking. <b>What this topic adds</b>:
The BEST-Foundations intervention translates from theory to practice, demonstrating initial feasibility with families in improving internalising symptoms in children under 12 years.Fathers may express initial hesitation, yet engaging them in treatment is important.Parents reported improved confidence and perspective taking after taking part in the BEST-Foundations intervention. The BEST-Foundations intervention translates from theory to practice, demonstrating initial feasibility with families in improving internalising symptoms in children under 12 years. Fathers may express initial hesitation, yet engaging them in treatment is important. Parents reported improved confidence and perspective taking after taking part in the BEST-Foundations intervention.