Therapeutic processes in multi-family groups for major depression: results of an interpretative phenomenological study

Background: Recent research indicates that different couple and family interventions are effective in the treatment of depressed patients. However, how these psychosocial interventions work, has been less well investigated. In order to better understand the underlying treatment processes, helpful treatment experiences of depressive patients and their partners were examined in a multi-family therapy group.

Method: 24 patients hospitalized for depression and 20 partners participated in this study. Therapeutic factors were assessed using an open-ended questionnaire. Responses were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA).

Results: Eight recurring therapeutic factors were reported by both the patients and their partners: (1) Presence of others, (2) cohesion and understanding, (3) self-disclosure, (4) openness, (5) discussion, (6) insights, (7) observational experiences and (8) guidance from the therapist.

Limitations: Results were not fed back to the participants following analysis and only therapeutic factors that operate on a conscious level could be identified.

Conclusions: Several important therapeutic factors were identified in multi-family therapy groups for depression. These factors help to gain understanding into the processes, which should be emphasized in treatment and ought to be explored in future outcome and process research.