Project information
Project manager
Karin Pernebo
Other project members
Pamela Massoudi, University of Gothenburg/FoU Kronoberg, Region Kronoberg, Sweden
Participating organizations
FoU Kronoberg, Region Kronoberg, Sweden; Linnaeus University; University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Financier
FoU Kronoberg, Region Kronoberg, Sweden; Stiftelsen Allmänna Barnhuset, Sweden
Timetable
2019–2023
Subject
Psychology (Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences)
More about the project
Children in foster care have an increased risk of exposure to adverse experiences during childhood and across the lifespan. In current studies of interventions, children in foster care are often excluded or they are too few to be included in statistical analyses of outcomes. As a consequence, knowledge on feasibility of treatment methods for some of the most exposed and maltreated children in society is sparse.
Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) is an intervention for children 0–6 years who have been exposed to adverse and traumatic events. CPP is currently being implemented in Sweden. The aim of the current study is to investigate the feasibility of CPP for young children who have an increased risk of exposure to adverse and traumatic experiences with negative effects on their health and development. Feasibility will be conceptualized as acceptance of the method by therapists, caregivers, and children; practical applications of the method; any need for modifications; and observed outcomes.
The project has a naturalistic mixed-methods study design. Qualitative and quantitative research methods will be used to collect and analyze data. Qualitative data concerning children’s, caregivers', and clinicians' experiences of the treatment method as well as quantitative data concerning practical applications of the method, any modifications made, and reported levels of symptoms will be studied. Nine agencies in different regions of Sweden offering CPP as part of their regular services have accepted to participate in the study. Participants are consecutively recruited at the participating agencies. Inclusion will be terminated when 20 children have been included (whereof at least 12 children aged 3–6 years).
The project is expected to contribute to increased knowledge and development of feasible and effective treatment interventions targeting a vulnerable group; young children in foster care. The results will be clinically relevant and provide applicable support in developing and providing treatment to children with high risk of negative consequences on psychological health, children currently often lacking access to treatment interventions.
