Short-term group interventions for mentally ill young adults living in a community residence and their families

Data from 12 families of chronic mentally ill young adults who were living in a supportive residential facility were used to compare the effects on family functioning of a multiple-family psychoeducational group and a multiple-family support group. The psychoeducational group provided information about mental illness and family dynamics and taught effective communication and conflict management skills. The support group consisted of unstructured discussions about topics raised by the families. Both groups met once a week for five weeks and included both parents and their mentally ill adult children. The emotional climate, level of organization, and other aspects of the family environment were assessed before and after treatment and at three-month follow-up. Both groups helped families to become more cohesive, to manage conflict more effectively, and to obtain a greater internal locus of control.