Going Global: A Model for Evaluating Empirically Supported Family-Based Interventions in New Contexts

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Cross-Cultural Studies

Background:

• Global spread of evidence-based practice (EBP) has increased controlled trials of empirically supported interventions (ESIs).
• Research on family-based interventions, including those in the American Blueprints Model, shows mixed replication outcomes.
• Understanding replication variability is crucial for effective ESI translation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore plausible explanations for mixed results in replication trials of ESIs.
• To propose a model for examining intervention adaptations in new cultural contexts.

Main Methods:

• Review of outcome research on family-based interventions and controlled trials of ESIs.
• Analysis of factors contributing to successful and unsuccessful ESI replications.
• Description of a conceptual model for evaluating intervention adaptations.

Main Results:

• Mixed results in ESI replication trials are attributed to methodological variations, cultural adaptation ambiguities, inadequate implementation, and unforeseen contextual influences.
• These factors collectively impact the effectiveness of ESIs when transferred across cultures.

Conclusions:

• The variability in ESI replication outcomes necessitates a nuanced approach to intervention translation.
• The proposed model facilitates a differential examination of intervention adaptations in diverse cultural settings, aiding future research and practice.