A pilot study of a family-focused intervention for children and families affected by maternal depression

A non-experimental pilot study examined child, mother and family outcomes of a 10-session multi-family group intervention designed to reduce risk and promote resilience for mothers with depression and their families. Positive changes following the Keeping Families Strong intervention included mother-reported decreases in child behaviour and emotional problems, improvements in the quality of family interactions and routines and improvements in their own well-being and support from others. Children (9-16 years) reported decreased internalizing symptoms, improved coping, increased maternal warmth and acceptance and decreased stressful family events. Attendance and mother-reported satisfaction were high, indicating the perceived value of the intervention.