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Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy A Systematic Qualitative Review of Controlled Outcome Studies
Abstract
Objective: We review all available controlled outcome studies of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) to evaluate evidence of its effectiveness. Method: Forty-three studies were located and key data abstracted on problem, setting, SFBT intervention, design characteristics, and outcomes. Results: Thirty-two (74%) of the studies reported significant positive benefit from SFBT; 10 (23%) reported positive trends. The strongest evidence of effectiveness came in the treatment of depression in adults where four separate studies found SFBT to be comparable to well-established alternative treatments. Three studies examined length of treatment and all found SFBT used fewer sessions than alternative therapies. Conclusion: The studies reviewed provide strong evidence that SFBT is an effective treatment for a wide variety of behavioral and psychological outcomes and, in addition, it may be briefer and therefore less costly than alternative approaches.
... The origins of SFBT can be traced to the early Mental Research Institute's (MRI) brief therapy approach. The developers Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg were two social workers who were trained at the MRI institute and proceeded to work with an Interdisciplinary team of therapists and researchers to develop SFBT during the late 1970searly 1980s while they worked in an outpatient and training clinic, the Brief Family Therapy Center) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA (Gingerich & Peterson, 2013). The SFBT developers made use of clinical observations behind a oneway mirror, case studies, program evaluations, and qualitative research to develop SFBT. ...
... To our knowledge, there has only been three comprehensive narrative reviews (Gingerich & Eisengart, 2000;Gingerich & Peterson, 2013;Neipp & Beybach, 2022) and two comprehensive meta-analyses that have been published on SFBT (Kim, 2008;Stams et al., 2006). The first narrative review of SFBT outcome research was completed by Gingerich and Eisengart in 2000. ...
... All five of these studies reported positive psychosocial outcomes on measures such as depression, coping skills, return to work, recidivism, and parenting skills (Gingerich & Peterson, 2000, cited in Gingerich et al., 2011. In another comprehensive narrative review, Gingerich and Peterson (2013) discussed the results from 43 RCT and quasiexperimental studies examining SFBT intervention, research designs, and outcomes. These studies overall showed that thirty-two (74%) of the studies reported significant positive outcomes and 10 (23%) reported positive trends. ...
... These approaches were most famously conceptualised by de Shazer and colleagues in their development of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in the 1980s [24], and popularised in the UK by the BRIEF centre [25]. These approaches were intended to be generic, suitable in many contexts, and practiced in a wide range of settings [26], but lack a strong evidence base. ...
... Gingerich and Peterson [26] reviewed controlled outcome studies of SFBT finding it to be delivered in the broad areas of child academic and behaviour problems, adult mental health, marriage and family, occupational rehabilitation, health and aging, and crime and deliquency. They found 20 of 24 randomised studies reported a significant benefit from SFBT, with the strongest evidence being for adult mental health. ...
... The 51 key components we identified described in these approaches generally mirror those commonly described in solution-focused approaches used in other populations. They encompass those identified by both Jerome, et al. [27] and Gingerich and Peterson [26] in earlier reviews. This demonstrates consistency of this review's included approaches with other applications of solution-focused approaches, and the endurance of what a solution-focused approach is understood to be. ...
Background
Self-injurious thoughts and behaviours are a major global public health concern, not least because they are one of suicide’s strongest predictors. Solution-focused approaches are a psychotherapeutic approach currently being used to treat individuals with self-injurious thoughts and behaviours but there is little published evidence of their use. We conducted a scoping review to provide a comprehensive overview of how solution-focused approaches are being used to treat self-injurious thoughts and behaviours.
Methods
Publications describing a solution-focused approach being delivered to any individuals experiencing any form of self-injurious thought and/or behaviour were eligible for inclusion. Five databases were searched (EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) from inception to August 2024. Search terms contained keywords relating to both solution-focused and self-injurious thoughts and/or behaviours. Data were analysed using relevant steps from a narrative synthesis approach to summarise the participants, concepts, context and outcomes described in the included publications.
Results
Twenty-four publications were included in the review. Publications demonstrated a global reach although the majority were published in the UK and USA. Five publications formally assessed and reported outcomes; two randomised controlled trials, one experimental pilot study, one case study, and one single group study. Only the Beck Depression Inventory was collected in more than one study (n = 4), with a range of other psychopathology and wellbeing-related measures. Three studies reported qualitative data, finding positive perceptions of the approaches by patients and clinicians. Fifty-one unique components were identified within solution-focused approaches. Often specific adaptations were described, or components were introduced, that specifically addressed suicide or self-harm. For example, identifying and working on goals related to reducing or stopping self-harm, or scaling questions that assess how suicidal someone currently feels on a 0 to 10 scale.
Conclusions
This review demonstrates the application of solution-focused approaches for treating individuals with self-injurious thoughts and behaviours. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of how these approaches are delivered. The lack of outcome data and empirical studies highlights a need for more formalised evidence.
... SFI has a growing body of literature proving its efficacy as an evidence-based intervention for caregivers (Franklin, 2015;Gingerich & Peterson, 2013). Strength-based and client-centered, SFI is founded on social constructivism theories and positive psychology (Pawson, 2020; Winter issues, mental health issues, and problematic behaviors (Gingerich & Eisengart, 2000). ...
... A systematic review of the utility of SFI in family members of children and adolescents with internalizing and externalizing behaviors revealed that early intervention with SFI was beneficial, especially when the level of difficulties was not severe (Bond et al., 2013). Another systematic review highlighted its utility as a cost-effective approach that generates desirable behavioral and psychological outcomes in a multitude of problems across the life span from childhood to old age in families dealing with academic and behavioral issues of children, delinquency and crime, marital discord, disability related to various health conditions as well as elders with various age-related disorders (Gingerich & Peterson, 2013). A process research on solution-focused intervention (SFI), carried out in 2016 and considering interventions at the level of individuals and families, has been presented as part of an ongoing systematic review. ...
... We reviewed the studies and noted the SFI techniques used, the modality and length of SFI, the type of comparison group and treatment used, the sample sizes, essential aspects of the study design, the outcomes and metrics used, the pre-post change in the SFI group in comparison to the control group. A study's utilization of SFI techniques can serve as a general indicator of treatment fidelity; the more techniques used, the more thoroughly SFI was implemented (Gingerich & Peterson, 2013). ...
Purpose
In this review, we aim to determine the efficacy of Solution-Focused Interventions (SFI) among caregivers of persons living with different conditions.
Method
Articles published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2022 were used. Databases used included EBSCOhost, PubMed, ProQuest, ERIC, and Google Scholar. We used Zotero to remove the duplicate studies. Further, we used the Risk of Bias for RCTs and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi-Experimental and non-randomized experimental studies.
Results
Total number of studies from five databases was 2,693. After evaluating the eligibility and duplication removal, 10 relevant articles were found suitable for this review, including 3 RCTs, 3 single group pre-post, 2 quasi-experimental, and 1 each from case study, and multiple baseline designs. Stress, quality of life, and coping variables were studied. Studies compared with alternative treatments: Though 9 out of 10 studies were superior to alternative treatment, and none were equivalent to solution-focused intervention. SFI has shown efficacy on all the variables selected in the study. In these studies, the efficacy is compared with the alternative treatment, and SFI has demonstrated better outcomes than the alternative treatments.
Conclusion
Based on the studies reviewed, robust evidence supports SFI as a treatment approach for caregivers. SFI can also benefit caregivers in shorter sessions, making it more affordable than other treatments.
... SFBT shifts the focus away from problem formation and problem resolution to participants' future goals, strengths, and resiliency. In SFBT, a professional collaborates with the client to look for solutions to obtain goals and strongly stresses the client's autonomy and competencies to achieve them (8). According to several meta-analyses and reviews, it has positive effects in a broad range of settings and problem areas (8)(9)(10). ...
... In SFBT, a professional collaborates with the client to look for solutions to obtain goals and strongly stresses the client's autonomy and competencies to achieve them (8). According to several meta-analyses and reviews, it has positive effects in a broad range of settings and problem areas (8)(9)(10). The latest and most extensive analysis, which includes five studies, centers on adult depression as a result (8). ...
... According to several meta-analyses and reviews, it has positive effects in a broad range of settings and problem areas (8)(9)(10). The latest and most extensive analysis, which includes five studies, centers on adult depression as a result (8). However, none of these investigations addressed depression in adolescents. ...
Objective
To investigate the efficacy and impact on executive function of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescents.
Methods
A total of 129 adolescents diagnosed with MDD were enrolled in the study. Out of these, 28 adolescents were assigned to the SFBT group, while 25 were part of the Active Control group (AC group), receiving psychodynamic psychotherapy. Executive function, depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed at baseline, at the time of the third intervention, the sixth intervention, and the 10th intervention.
Results
After the third intervention, the scores of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) of the participants in the SFBT group decreased significantly, which had the cumulative effect at the 6th and 10th interventions. The verbal fluency task (VFT) performances of the SFBT group participants yielded significantly higher scores after the third intervention and remained increasing at the 6th and 10th interventions. The AC group steadily decreased after the intervention. Analysis of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data revealed a progressive and significant increase in the average oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in the SFBT group compared to the AC group after the 10th intervention.
Conclusions
SFBT might improve depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as executive function of adolescent depression.
Clinical trial registration
https://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2300067909.
... The foundation of the theory, which aids in its effectiveness in medical settings, is for therapists to empower patients to utilize strategies that are already working in a way that maximizes successful outcomes. Solutionfocused clinicians subscribe to the notion that even small changes can have a drastic impact on a system (Gingerich & Peterson, 2012). By identifying examples of when change has occurred, the patient can expand those changes to make a difference in the desired direction. ...
... SFT is currently utilized in most settings in which MedFTs find employment, such as in-patient psychiatric units (Anderson et al., 2008), medical clinics (Sung et al., 2018;Zhang et al., 2018), mental/behavioral healthcare (Gingerich & Peterson, 2012), social services, and education (Sung et al., 2018). Moreover, SFT has proven effective in the fields of palliative care (i.e., end-of-life conversations; Mckean, 2015) and nursing (Smith et al., 2011) to facilitate effective treatment with diverse populations. ...
... The notion of focusing on the here and now fits especially well in fast-paced medical settings when time is limited and third-party payment restrictions dictate the delivery of care (Sung et al., 2018). This approach facilitates the integration of behavioral health into the workflow and creates buy-in from healthcare systems because it is brief and effective (Gingerich & Peterson, 2012;Sung et al., 2018;Zhang et al., 2018). The ability to collaborate successfully with diverse healthcare providers and disseminate mental health services to patients is largely dependent on the MedFT fitting into the flow of the workplace. ...
Preparing the future mental health workforce requires clinicians to be able to adapt their clinical work to different mental and medical healthcare settings to meet the growing need for mental health services. Medical Family Therapists (MedFTs) are specifically trained to provide care for patients from a biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective in diverse clinical settings. Having a theoretical foundation is a necessity for MedFTs to be able to adapt their clinical work to different contexts. Solution-focused therapy provides such a foundation. This paper provides examples of how MedFTs can use solution-focused therapy in traditional psychotherapy, integrated primary care, and integrated psychiatric care.
... SFBT shifts the focus away from problem formation and problem resolution, to participants' future goals, strengths, and resiliency. In SFBT, a professional collaborates with the client to look for solutions to obtain goals and strongly stresses the client's autonomy and competencies to achieve them [7]. According to several metaanalyses and reviews, it has positive effects in a broad range of settings and problem areas [7][8][9]. ...
... In SFBT, a professional collaborates with the client to look for solutions to obtain goals and strongly stresses the client's autonomy and competencies to achieve them [7]. According to several metaanalyses and reviews, it has positive effects in a broad range of settings and problem areas [7][8][9]. In the most recent and comprehensive review, ve studies focus on adult depression as an outcome [7]. ...
... According to several metaanalyses and reviews, it has positive effects in a broad range of settings and problem areas [7][8][9]. In the most recent and comprehensive review, ve studies focus on adult depression as an outcome [7]. But none of these studies were about adolescent depression. ...
To explore the efficacy and executive function of solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) on adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD). A total of 129 adolescents with MDD were recruited, of whom 28 received solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT group) and 25 received pcychodynamic psychotherapy (AC group). Executive function, depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed at baseline (T0), at the time of the third intervention (T3), the sixth intervention (T6), and the 10th intervention (T10). After the third intervention, the scores of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 of the participants in the SFBT group decreased significantly, which had the cumulative effect at the 6th and 10th interventions. The verbal fluency task (VFT) performances of the SFBT group participants yielded significantly higher scores after the third intervention and remained increasing at the 6th and 10th interventions. The AC group steadily decreased after the intervention. fNIRS data showed that the mean oxy-Hb values of channels 3, 11 and 12 were gradually significantly increased in the SFBT group than the AC group after 10th interventions. SFBT might improve depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as executive function of adolescent depression.
... administrative practices of a community agency serving clients with substance use and behavioral health problems. In a systematic review, Gingerich and Peterson (2013) noted that SFBT is widely used by social workers and other human services professionals because it focuses on strengths instead of problems and is brief as it is usually delivered in six or fewer sessions. In a review of 251 outcome studies, Neipp and Mark Beyebach (2022) analyzed the practice of SFBT in schools and community services and found that over 20% of the studies they reviewed were in some type of communitybased setting. ...
... Problems and populations have been examined in past metaanalyses and systematic reviews, but previous meta-analyses did not examine the effects of various techniques of SFBT. In a review of 43 outcome studies, for example, Gingerich and Peterson (2013) reported the strongest evidence for SFBT was with adult clients with depressive symptoms where five separate studies used the Beck Depression Inventory to reliably measure outcomes. These authors also concluded that SFBT may be efficacious with adolescents. ...
... Studies were focused on SFBT, which was identified by the individual studies' authors by name and through further examination by the research team based on the SFBT therapeutic techniques identified in the studies. We included SFBT therapeutic techniques, such as focusing on strengths, scaling questions, exception questions, coping questions, the miracle question, and other techniques that were identified in the SFBTA treatment manual and that have been defined in previous studies (e.g., Gingerich & Peterson, 2013). Studies that combined SFBT techniques with other therapeutic approaches were included as long as the authors explicated the study's intention was to examine the outcomes of SFBT and described the techniques of SFBT that met the criteria for this review. ...
Purpose: Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is practiced by social workers in clinical, community-based services, but no reviews of the outcome research have been completed. Methods: A meta-analysis of randomized studies. Outcome domains included depression, anxiety, behavioral health, health and wellbeing, family functioning, and psychosocial adjustment. Results: Twenty-eight studies with 340 effect sizes were analyzed in meta-regression with robust variation estimation (RVE). Overall, statistically significant and medium treatment effect sizes were found across outcome domains, g = 0.654, 95% CI : 0.386–0.922, p < 0.001. Interventions with 4 or more SFBT techniques across three categories (cooperative language, co-construction, and developing a therapeutic relationship; strengths and resources; and future-focused questions) showed a moderate treatment effect. Implications: SFBT is an effective intervention for depression, behavioral health, family functioning, and psychosocial outcomes when delivered in community-based services.
... As a social constructivist therapy, solution-focused therapy assumes that the client is continually creating the self, and that in coconstructing a solution to the client's problem, the therapist helps the client to gain greater self-compassion and self-efficacy (DeShazer et al., 2021 A key aspect of positive psychology interventions is focusing on strengths in order to build selfcompassion and motivation for change, which according to Shapira and Mongrain (2011) are critical to treatments for depression. Gingerich and Peterson, (2013) claim that the addition of positive psychology to solution-focused therapy is a powerful combination for the treatment of depression by increasing the positivity of the client. Positive, solutionfocused counseling encourages the client to find strengths in the efforts they are already making to get well. ...
... (Corcoran and Pillai, 2009;Macdonald, 2011;Palmer, 2015). Gingerich and Peterson (2013) conducted a systematic, qualitative review of controlled experimental studies of solutionfocused brief therapy (SFBT) and concluded that across studies, this therapy was effective, with Positive SFBT leading to greater emotional improvement and cognitive recovery in individuals with mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression. ...
More than 40% of the U.S. population have experienced mental health disorders since the COVID-19 pandemic. 40% of this group received no treatment for their mental illness. Barriers to treatment include stigma, prohibitive cost, and a belief that treatment is inaccessible, particularly in isolated or rural communities. A novel remote, EEG-enhanced VR psychotherapy system was assessed for its presence and restorativeness, and therapeutic efficacy in improving mood with a single session positive solution-focused session. Thirty adults experiencing depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to either a single session Positive Solutions Focused counseling treatment via Zoom videoconferencing, or the EEG enabled VR psychotherapy system. Participants rated the environment in the VR-EEG therapy as more restorative than Zoom counseling, t = 2.928, p < .004, Cohen’s d = .259, and comparable to the Zoom session in presence. The VR-EEG system performed comparably to Zoom online counseling in clients’ session ratings of depth and smoothness and client reactions, positivity, and arousal. For a treatment to be considered empirically supported, and therefore valid for use in psychotherapy, it must have equal or greater efficacy than a standard treatment or format. VR-EEG, therefore, has promise as a positive, solution-focused, brief therapy for isolated clients with depressive symptoms.
... By concentrating on positive emotions and future possibilities, SFT helps patients develop a more hopeful outlook, which can enhance their psychological resilience [17]. Notably, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), a specific form of SFT developed in the early 1980s [18,19], has gained recognition for its effectiveness in reducing psychological distress among cancer patients, particularly in areas like pain management and mental health [20,21]. ...
... Consequently, these therapeutic elements contribute to the observed reductions in negative emotional states and improvements in overall psychological health [38]. Similarly, in the international literature SFBT interventions were associated with reductions in depression, anxiety, and fatigue across various populations [20]. Findings from a systematic review indicated that SFBT was an effective intervention for addressing psychosocial issues within medical settings [39]. ...
Objective
Solution-focused therapy (SFT) as a psychoeducational support intervention has gained an increasing attention for alleviating complications associated with cancer. The aim of this review was to integrate and synthesize scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of SFT in the management of cancer-related symptoms.
Methods
A systematic review was conducted, encompassing the exploration of five online databases—Web of Science, PubMed (including MEDLINE), CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus. Articles published from inception to December 2023 were retrieved. The review included all clinical trials and similar interventional studies assessing the impact of SFT on cancer-related symptoms. Relevant data were extracted from eligible studies following quality appraisals using appropriate methodological tools. The review results were presented in a narrative format due to the impossibility of conducting a meta-analysis.
Results
A total of 239 studies were identified during the search process, of which eight articles met the inclusion criteria. The overall sample size comprised 555 patients with cancer that were mostly female (n = 386). Four studies employed randomized controlled trials (RCT), while the remaining four utilized the non-RCT method. SFT-based interventions demonstrated effectiveness in addressing stress, anxiety, depression, somatization, cancer-related fatigue, pain catastrophizing, and negative coping. Additionally, they improved psychological well-being, hope, positive coping, self-efficacy, quality of life, and sexual quality of life among cancer patients.
Conclusions
Various SFT-based interventions have been shown to be effective in managing cancer-related symptoms and can be considered valuable additions to routine care, complementing medication therapy and other therapeutic measures to alleviate patients' suffering associated with cancer.
Systematic review registration number (PROSPERO): CRD42023413910.
... Overall, these systematic reviews would tend to support the assertion that brief therapy works. The studies also tend to support claims of greater cost-effectiveness with equivalence in outcome to longer term therapy or alternative pharmacological treatments (Churchill et al., 2001;Gingerich & Peterson, 2012). Interestingly, these systematic reviews also confirm the divergence in definition of "brief" as discussed above. ...
... Interestingly, these systematic reviews also confirm the divergence in definition of "brief" as discussed above. Churchill et al. (2001) stated that "20 sessions in all models of psychotherapy constitutes a time-limited therapeutic framework" (p. 2), while Leichsenring et al. (2004) defined "short-term" therapy as encompassing from 7 to 40 sessions (mean of 20.97), and Gingerich and Peterson (2012) indicated the typical duration of SFBT was less than 10 sessions. ...
This thematic review aims to highlight some of the complexities and challenges that are present in the literature surrounding brief therapy. Specifically, the article looks at the diversity in definition of brief therapies, and the question of whether or not brief therapies work. Common themes across different types of brief therapy are explored. A tentative, integrative model of brief therapy is proposed consisting of a collaborative relationship, ready-and-willing clients, an active therapist, and a constant but not excessive pressure. Implications for offering "intentionally brief" therapy are discussed in relation to funding and service providers, practitioners, researchers, and educators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of New Zealand Journal of Counselling is the property of New Zealand Association of Counsellors and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
... The evidence base for Solution-Focused Brief therapy is strengthened by several outcome reviews and analyses. Reviews by Gingerich and Eisengart (2000), Gingerich and Peterson (2012) and Kim (2008) support positive ben efits of SFBT including strong evidence related to length of treatment, indicat ing that SFBT may be more cost--effective than other therapeutic approaches. Evidence supports the effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy across a variety of populations. ...
... Within an adult population, SFBT has demonstrated effectiveness in addressing a range of symptoms and behaviours (Gingerich & Peterson, 2012) including depressive symptoms (Sundstrom, 1993), medication compliance (Panayotov, Anichkina & Strahilov, 2011), abstinence from alcohol (Spilsbury, 2012), post-traumatic stress (Bannink, 2008) and parenting skills (Zimmer-62 -Journal of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy -Vol 1, No 2, 2014 man, Jacobsen, MacIntyre & Watson, 1996). SFBT has been utilized across populations including couples (Zimmerman Prest & Wetzel, 1997), college students (Sundstrom, 1993) and in group therapy (Lafountain, Garner & Elia son, 1996). ...
Understanding wellness as a multi-dimensional construct has significant implications for both physical and psychological health treatment. links between chronic illness and lifestyle factors such as inactivity, diet, and stress, present a need for professionals with specialized training who can support individuals in developing skills and resources related to making lifestyle changes. To facilitate well ness-based lifestyle change, models that integrate evidence-based approaches are needed. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Solution-Focused Coaching a1-e evidence-based approaches that emphasize client strengths and building solutions in both clinical and non-clinical contexts. Establishing a Solution-Focused Wellness Coaching (SFWC) model provides a short-term, effective approach to coaching that is applicable in a variety of health and wellness contexts including primary care, counseling, social work, occupational and physical therapies, and exercise and fitness. The SF\JvC model provides a framework that utilizes specific, replicable therapeutic techniques for supporting clients in enhancing wellness across physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual and social domains.
... Paying attention to what goes well is important to give these families the confidence that they can implement change so that they regain confidence in their parenting competence and their ability to deal with future hurdles independently (Quick & Gizzo, 2007). Although studies with more rigorous research designs are still lacking, solution-focused therapy seems to have positive effects on family functioning in families with a variety of problems (Bond et al., 2013;Corcoran & Pillai, 2009;Gingerich & Eisengart, 2000;Gingerich & Peterson, 2013), although these effects were not always significant (Kim, 2008). ...
... Evidence was found for the hypothesis that this therapy improves family functioning of multi-stressed families. These findings substantiate other evidence available that multi-family group therapy Gelin et al., 2018) and solution-focused therapy (Bond et al., 2013;Corcoran & Pillai, 2009;Gingerich & Eisengart, 2000;Gingerich & Peterson, 2013;Kim et al., 2019) positively affects family functioning. Both parents experienced a substantial increase in family functioning over therapy. ...
The effectiveness of intense specialised multi‐family therapy (ISMFT) for 111 multi‐stressed families, and the therapeutic alliance as a possible predictor of outcome, were examined. A repeated measures design was used, where changes in all ISMFT phases (preparation, multi‐family therapy and follow‐up) were assessed and compared for both mothers and fathers. Evidence was found for improved family functioning after the therapy period, which was maintained at 3 months follow‐up, although the multi‐stressed families still functioned in the problematic range. The therapy did however not decrease parenting stress, or did so only temporarily. Observations of the therapeutic alliance with the System for Observing Family Therapy Alliances (SOFTA) scales indicated that high therapist engagement was related to positive therapy outcomes, both at the start of therapy and later. High family engagement also predicted therapy effectiveness, but only at the start of therapy. The present study shows that solution‐focused multi‐family therapy at least seems to provide the first step in alleviating problems in multi‐stressed families.
... Berdasarkan data yang dihimpun oleh (Gingerich & Peterson, 2013) dari empat puluh tiga studi hasil keefektifan aplikasi SFBC terdapat sebanyak tiga puluh dua (74%) melaporkan manfaat positif yang signifikan dari SFBC dan sepuluh studi (23%) melaporkan tren positif sehingga disimpulkan bahwa SFBC adalah salah satu intervensi pemulihan yang efektif untuk berbagai hasil perilaku dan psikologis dengan waktu yang diperlukan lebih singkat dari pada pendekatan alternatif yang lain. Selain itu penelitian SFBC telah diterapkan untuk melatih meningkatkan empati remaja yang melakukan cyberbullying. ...
... Menurut (Muliadi et al., 2019) individu saat ini kerap dituntut untuk dapat menunjukkan kemampuan kognitifnya saja namun kurang dalam mengembangkan kemampuan yang lain. Konseling singkat atau brief counseling berpeluang untuk pengembangan sikap profesional dan kepribadian (Gingerich & Peterson, 2013). (De Shazer et al., 2021) juga berpendapat bahwa konseling singkat memiliki banyak keuntungan, dimana konselor menjadi lebih teratur dan mampu melakukan tindak lanjut dalam pemberian treatment, efektif dalam penggunaan waktu, aplikatif dan dapat diamati perubahan perilaku serta progresnya. ...
Empati adalah kemampuan untuk mengidentifikasi hal yang sedang dipikirkan atau dirasakan oleh orang lain dengan tetap bisa mengontrol diri atas situasi yang ada, tidak dibuat-buat, dan tidak terbawa pada situasi yang sedang dirasakan orang lain. Belajar memahami keadaan orang lain bukanlah proses yang mudah, diperlukan berbagai keterampilan mendengarkan yang baik untuk dapat memisahkan pikiran, perasaan, dan perilaku diri dari pikiran, perasaan, dan perilaku orang lain. Individu saat ini kerap dituntut untuk mengembangkan kemampuan kognitifnya saja, namun kurang dibimbing dalam mengembangkan kemampuan yang lain salah satunya empati. Melalui pendekatan SFBC mahasiswa dilatih merancang tujuan diantaranya mengeksplorasi solusi, membantu merumuskan tujuan yang direncanakan, dan membantu membuat rencana yang diinginkan. Penelitian ini merupakan jenis penelitian eksperimen dengan pola one group pretest-postest untuk mengetahui tingkat empati mahasiswa sebelum dan sesudah diberi pendekatan SFBC. Populasi penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa FIP Universitas PGRI Kanjuruhan Malang tahun ajaran 2020/2021 dengan responden penelitian 9 mahasiswa yang diambil menggunakan metode purposive sampling. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Zhitung sebesar 2,668 dan signifikansi (2-tailed) sebesar 0,008. Jika probalitas <0,05 maka Ho ditolak dan Ha diterima. Artinya pendekatan solution focused brief counseling (SFBC) efektif untuk meningkatkan empati mahasiswa.
... Az SFBT a rövid terápiák egyik formájaként fejlődött ki, és gyakran azért javasolt, mert kevesebb idő alatt és alacsonyabb költséggel lehet vele eredményt elérni, mint más megközelítésekkel (De Shazer et al., 1986;DeJong & Berg, 2008). Több, különböző szakterületen végzett vizsgálat bizonyította, hogy a megoldásfókuszú terápia pozitív kimenetellel jár (Gingerich & Peterson, 2013) bármilyen életkorban. Alkalmazási területe széles, tanulmányok igazolták, hogy nemcsak gyermekek tanulmányi (Fearrington et al., 2011) és viselkedési problémáinak enyhítésére alkalmas (Cepukiene & Pakrosnis, 2011), hanem a felnőttkori mentális egészség segítésére, a depresszió csökkentésére (Smock et al., 2008), az öregedéssel együtt járó problémák megoldására, valamint bizonyos szegmensei alkalmazhatóak családokkal és család-és párterápiában is (Wilmshurst, 2002). ...
Háttér és célkitűzések: A kutatásunkban egy olyan iskolai osztályokban alkalmazott intervenciós programot vizsgáltuk, mely krónikus betegségben érintett gyermekek iskolai beilleszkedését segíti. A terápiás rekreáció módszerét és megoldásközpontú intervenciós módszereket alkalmazó program célja, hogy támogassa a betegségben érintett gyermekek és osztálytársaik probléma-megoldási készségét, életminőségét és közösségét.
Módszer: A kutatásban az intervenciós program hatását mértük a résztvevő gyermekek pszichoszociális készségeire: életminőségére, énhatékonyságára, valamint betegség- és énelfogadására. A vizsgálatban három olyan iskolai osztály diákjai (N = 54) vettek részt a 2x90perces intervenciós programon, melynek tagjai között legalább egy krónikus betegségben érintett gyermek van. A résztvevők életkora 9-14 év. A kutatás egy kérdőíves, két mérési pontos követéses vizsgálat (az intervenció előtti napokban és az intervenció után 2 héttel), mely tartalmazza a PedsQL gyermek változatát, az énhatékonyság skálát, és 5 további tételt a betegség- és énelfogadásra vonatkozóan.
Eredmények: A két mérési pont közötti különbséget összetartozó mintás Wilcoxon próbával vizsgáltuk. A teljes mintán nem kaptunk szignifikáns különbséget az érzelmi, társas és iskolai jóllét, az énhatékonyság és az énelfogadás mutatók intervenció előtti és utáni értékei között, azonban a változók és skálák közötti összefüggések erősödtek a program előtti állapotról a program utáni állapotra. Osztályok szerint megvizsgálva az egyik negyedikes osztályban (N = 15) szignifikáns javulás mutatkozott a társas jóllétben és az énhatékonyságban, egy hetedikes osztályban (N = 17) szignifikáns csökkenést találtunk az iskolai jóllét értékében az intervenciók után.
Következtetések: A kis mintán alkalmazott intervenciós program bíztató eredményeket mutatott a gyermekek énhatékonyságának növelésében, ezért a program folyamatos fejlesztése mellett a hatékonyság mérése is fontos információkkal szolgálhat a továbbiakban.
Kulcsszavak: iskolai intervenció, életminőség, énhatékonyság, énelfogadás
... TheraBuddy's grounding in solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral counseling is influenced by several key factors. Firstly, both approaches have been scientifically proven to effectively address behavioral and emotional difficulties in children and adolescents (Beck, 2019;de Shazer et al., 2021;Gingerich & Peterson, 2013;Hofman et al., 2012). Additionally, the utility of these approaches in educational settings is robustly supported in the literature (Franklin et al., 2008;Joyce-Beaulieu & Sulkowski, 2015). ...
This proceeding is an ongoing doctoral dissertation that will examine the effect of a serious game on bullying participant roles and social-emotional well-being. "This serious game, which is called TheraBuddy, is a Turkish interactive visual novel that is aimed at helping children and youth using cognitive-behavioral counseling and solution-focused counseling techniques." The protagonist of TheraBuddy is the player. According to story, the player is transfered to a school where bullying incidents occur. The player makes friends named Elma, Den, and Lu at this school. The player’s goal during the story is to offer solution-focused or cognitive-behavioral help to friends involved in bullying incidents, whether as victims or perpetrators. TheraBuddy consists of nine parts, including an introduction and eight chapters. Throughout the story, two characters named Ozguro and Bilgin help the player make choices, and the story of TheraBuddy continues according to the player’s choices. TheraBuddy was coded and hosted using the Ren'Py game engine. Characters and backgrounds were designed through Canva, and the TheraBuddy characters were voiced using Elevenlabs AI Voice Generator. As a result, an interactive anti-bullying game that is currently only playable offline has been developed. Work is currently being done to make this offline game a web-based game. It is believed that TheraBuddy will be helpful in combating bullying and strengthening students socially and emotionally. In the future, when the online version of TheraBuddy is completed, this belief will be tested under experimental conditions.
... SFBT is a brief psychological therapy that explores people's resources and expertise and helps them to build on these to make positive changes in their everyday life [26]. The strongest evidence for the effectiveness of SFBT is with adults with depression [27]. A meta-analysis of SFBT in medical settings found a significant effect of SFBT (d = 0.34, p < 0.05) for health-related psychosocial outcomes [28]. ...
Background and aim
Following a stroke, around a quarter of people will have aphasia, a language disability. Aphasia can have a devastating long-term impact on a person’s psychological wellbeing, yet their language difficulties make it challenging to access mental health care. The Wellbeing In Stroke and Aphasia (WISA) study aims to evaluate the feasibility of setting up an accessible psychological service for people with aphasia.
Methods
The service will be open to people with post-stroke aphasia (n = 30) who live in the UK, are able to access the service either in the university clinic or via telehealth and are not currently receiving therapy from a mental health professional. Participants will be offered up to 8 therapy sessions over 6 months, either one-to-one, with family, or in a group. The intervention is Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), a brief psychological therapy, delivered by speech and language therapists with training in SFBT under the supervision of a stroke-specialist clinical psychologist. As part of this service, a protocol for addressing mental health care has been developed. Feasibility will be assessed by monitoring referral rates, therapy received, discharge processes, resource capability, costs, challenges, and adverse events. Patient-reported outcome measures collected pre and post intervention will assess mental wellbeing, mood, participation, and satisfaction with therapy and the service. A purposive sample will take part in in-depth interviews following therapy.
Discussion
Given the high levels of psychological distress in this client group, there is a need to investigate innovative ways to provide accessible and acceptable psychological support.
... The findings of the research is supported by various studies on SFT interventions across different contexts. For instance, a study conducted a comprehensive review of outcome studies on SFT, demonstrating its efficacy in improving psychological well-being and behavioural adjustments across diverse populations [17] . Also, another investigation examined the use of SFT in school settings and reported notable improvements in students' academic performance and behaviour [9] . ...
This study examined the effectiveness of Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) in reducing tobacco smoking dependency behaviour among incarcerated individuals within correctional settings in Oyo State. Anchored on social cognitive theory, which highlights the role of self-efficacy in behaviour change, the research was designed to address the pressing public health concern of tobacco smoking among the inmates. Conducted in two correctional facilities within the state, the study involved 36 participants randomly assigned to both the experimental (SFT) and control group. The intervention group received tailored SFT sessions targeting tobacco smoking dependency behaviour, while the control group received standard care. Smoking abstinence self-efficacy was measured as a moderating factor using validated self-report measures. Pre-and post-intervention data were collected to assess changes in tobacco smoking dependency behaviour. The findings indicated a significant main effect of SFT in reducing tobacco smoking dependency behaviour among the inmates. Participants in the intervention group showed greater reductions compared to the control group. Additionally, the examination of smoking abstinence self-efficacy as a moderating factor revealed individual differences in treatment response , underscoring the importance of personalised interventions. This study established the effectiveness of Solution-Focused Therapy for the reduction of tobacco smoking dependency behaviour among inmates of correctional settings in Oyo State, Nigeria. Clinical/Counseling Psychologist should engage the intervention in addressing tobacco smoking dependency behaviour among their clients.
... Several studies have reported the effectiveness of SFBC. Gingerich & Peterson (2015) found that SFBC is an effective psychological intervention that can be implemented on a wide range of subject, and is more efficient that other counseling models because can implemented in brief time. SFBC is also recommended to be applied in counseling practices that required briefly sessions such as counseling service in school (Haron et al., 2020). ...
span>Indonesian education has transformed along with the current situations. Through the implementation of guidance and counseling service, schools should facilitate students to develop various non-cognitive skills and ensure that student’s mental health can well-achieved. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of solution-focused brief counseling (SFBC) to improve student’s social-emotional skills and psychological well-being. Following the experimental pretest-posttest control group design procedure, 64 junior high school students were involved as research subjects. Instruments in this study used 71-item social-emotional skills questionnaire and 42-item psychological well-being scale. The experimental group will be following 9 sessions of counseling, while the control group will not involve in any intervention. Data analysis in this study was carried out using one-way ANOVA and MANOVA. Results of this study found that (1) SFBC is effective to improving student’s social-emotional skills, (2) SFBC is effective to improving student’s psychological well-being, and (3) SFBC is simultaneously effective to improve student’s social-emotional skills and psychological well-being. The findings of this study have implications for the use of SFBC model as an intervention method to improve student’s non-cognitive skills and psychological well-being.</span
... The question of efficacy of SFBT has been examined through systematic reviews. Gingerich and Peterson (2013) conducted a systematic review of 43 controlled studies. A high percentage (74%) of these studies showed significant positive benefit for clients, especially those with depression symptoms. ...
This study compared the therapeutic working alliance in brief counseling using two delivery methods: synchronous video delivery and in-person delivery. The alliance was measured using the Working Alliance Inventory (client version). Participants were 49 undergraduate college students between the ages of 18 and 22. Solution-focused brief therapy was the treatment protocol, and the study used a randomized, controlled design. Welch’s t-tests and non-inferiority analyses were conducted, in addition to hierarchical regression analyses to examine the predictive value of the working alliance on post-treatment anxiety. Non-inferiority statistical analyses indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in working alliance for online delivery compared to in-person. A hierarchical regression analysis suggests that the therapeutic working alliance contributed to anxiety treatment outcomes for college student participants.
... The solution-focused brief approach in the field of social work plays an important role in the individual's reaching a solution, as it focuses on the solution of the problems rather than the problems and aims to realize the goals developed by the individuals in the solution building process as soon as possible. In this respect, solution-focused brief therapy offers a fast and effective way to eliminate problems in micro-level social service practices to be carried out with individuals and families, as well as being a method that is considered functional and frequently used by social workers with its easy applicability at the point of eliminating the problems of the clients, as well as providing an effective treatment in obtaining a positive result in behavioral problems as well as psychological problems, and being a brief method that corresponds to a more affordable cost (Danış & Büber, 2018;Gingerich & Peterson, 2013). ...
Social work is a discipline and profession that intervenes in individuals who have lost their functionality as a result of negative events in their lives by getting rid of negative thought and behavior patterns and regaining their former functionality, strengthening the individual by making him/her aware of his/her strengths and effective role in his/her life, and striving for the complete well-being of the individual. When the relevant literature is examined, it is understood that the basic philosophy and assumptions of the solution-focusedbrief approach, which has been proven to contribute to achieving effective results in a short time in social work interventions, overlap with the basic values of the social work discipline and are preferred by social workers in the context of some advantages provided by its methods and techniques. From this point of view, this article will introduce the short-term solution-focused approach, evaluate it from the perspective of social work and try to explain how it can be used in social work practices through a fictional case focused on exam anxiety.
... Various efficacy studies have demonstrated the favorable outcomes associated with a solution-focused therapeutic approach (Gingerich & Peterson, 2013;Kim, 2008). Grant (2012) was the first to directly compare the impact of solution-focused and problem-focused questioning. ...
The present study investigated the differences in movement synchrony and therapeutic alliance between solution-focused and problem-focused counseling. Thirty-four participants each attended two counseling sessions with different counselors, one with a solution-focus and one with a problem-focus, in randomized order. The sessions consisted of three consecutive parts: problem description, standardized intervention and free intervention. Movement synchrony, including leading and pacing synchrony, was measured using Motion Energy Analysis (MEA) and windowed cross-lagged correlation (WCLC) based on video recordings of the sessions. The Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAQ) was used to assess therapeutic alliance. Results showed that movement synchrony was significantly higher in solution-focused than in problem-focused counseling, driven by differences in the problem description part. This difference may be explained by the allegiance of the counselors to the solution-focused approach, as we observed more leading synchrony during the problem description part in solution-focused sessions. There was no significant difference in therapeutic alliance between the two conditions. This study expands the understanding of counseling approaches in the field of movement synchrony and contributes valuable insights for practitioners and researchers alike.
... There is growing evidence that BCCSB therapies can effectively treat an array of mental health problems, delivering services through flexible networks that adapt well to diversity and young people's needs (Barwick et al., 2013;Bond et al., 2013;Ellenbogen et al., 2019;Gingerich & Peterson, 2013;Kim & Franklin, 2009). BC-CSB models are also suggested to be less stigmatizing. ...
Introduction: Discrepancies between parental and child perceptions of problems and their therapeutic expectations can negatively impact mental health treatment efficacy. Aims: We sought to explore concordance and discrepancy in families receiving brief, client-centered, and strengths-based mental health services, specifically by contrasting parents’ and children’s perceptions of the child’s presenting issues; treatment expectations; and levels of concern pre- and post-treatment. We also examined the psychometric properties of a therapeutic scaling question on the level of concern, by examining associations with scores from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, we examined data from openand closed-ended questions, some used as part of the treatment. This included brief descriptions of perceived presenting issues and treatment expectations, and levels of concern on a scale of 1 to 10. Results: Parent and child descriptions of issues were judged generally congruent 66% of the time. Respectively, minor and major non-congruence was observed 25% and 9% of the time. In terms of treatment expectations, parents were more likely to express a desire to understand the issues and improve communication in the family. Children were more likely to express no expectancies or respond with simple statements (e.g., feel better). Parents initially rated their children’s problems as more severe than did their children. We found that the scaling question demonstrated a modest association with the level of concern from the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Conclusions: Even though most parents and their children broadly agree on presenting mental health issues for which they seek counseling, important differences manifest in how they perceive them and what they want accomplished during sessions. Practitioners need to consider, assess, and accommodate such discrepancies.
... SFBT is a strengths-based and positive-oriented intervention that focuses on solutions with simple and brief interventions. 18,19 It is considered a "real-world" practice appropriate for a broad population and an evidence-based intervention with fewer sessions than alternative psychotherapies. 20,21 In the medical setting, SFBT is a good practice for patients' health-related psychosocial, behavioral, and functional health outcomes and medication adherence. ...
New approaches to medication adherence interventions are needed. This manuscript presents a highly structured protocol of a single-session solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) for medication adherence intervention (SFBT-MAI) delivered by general providers. It conceptually integrates the procedure of tailored interventions, techniques of SFBT, and the four steps of Qitang Lin’ conceptualization of single-session SFBT. With specific techniques and examples to reduce operational difficulties, the SFBT-MAI includes two parts. The first part focuses on selecting non-adherent patients and clarifying their barriers to medication adherence. The second part focuses on individualized interventions with four steps: closing, hoping, empowering, and changing and acting. It is hoped that this work will improve the effectiveness of medication adherence interventions for patients with coronary heart disease and to promote the use of brief psychological interventions in clinical practice.
... Ozdem and Sezer (2019) also found a correlation between teachers' job satisfaction and principals' solution focused leadership in schools. Systematic reviews have also found moderate positive results of solution focused interven-tions in health and education (Gingerich & Peterson, 2013;Kim & Franklin, 2009). Nonetheless, despite encouraging findings, caution must be exercised when interpreting and generalising these studies, due to the heterogeneity of studies, small sample sizes and some methodological issues such as the outcome measures chosen that identify pathologies rather than positive variables. ...
Research into supporting children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) has primarily focused on risk factors and deficit-based interventions. Studies are beginning to highlight the importance of protective factors that mitigate risks of SLCN, including supportive school environments that foster resilience. Teacher efficacy is an important consideration in fostering supportive environments for children. The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the impact of short-term solution focused group SLCN coaching on teacher efficacy. The research employed a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test control group design. Sixty-two primary school teachers participated in the study, of which 37 attended a two-sessional solution focused coaching intervention and a non-equivalent control group consisted of 25 teachers. Measures of teacher efficacy were obtained pre- and post-intervention. The paired sample t-test results demonstrated an increase in student engagement in the intervention group compared to the control group, but not for overall efficacy score and instructional strategies/classroom management. No statistically significant differences were found in the control group. Coaching teachers to identify strengths, resources and what’s already working for children with SLCN fosters a more holistic, resilience-oriented focus and facilitates student engagement.
... While SFT is typically used for a wide range of problems, its principles and techniques can be adapted to help individuals cope with the specific challenges posed by the pandemic [29,30]. Here's how Solution-Focused Therapy can be applied in this context [31][32][33][34][35]: ...
Introduction: The effects of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of many individuals are now becoming increasingly apparent, especially among health care workers, who not infrequently develop the so-called post-pandemic stress syndrome, referring in essence to post-traumatic stress disorder. This is a consequence of the fact that medics, especially those who worked on the front lines during the pandemic experienced enormous challenges and difficulties every day that burdened and/or exceeded their individual abilities to adapt. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess well-being and the incidence of stress and anxiety among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: 182 people participated in the study, belonging to the representatives of medical personnel. The study used a questionnaire technique, by providing a survey with questions in electronic form. The survey consisted of both original questions and standardized psychometric tools, i.e. WHO-5, PSS-10, GAD-7. Results: Based on the scales, 78.6% of respondents were found to have elevated levels of stress and anxiety with a concomitant decrease in well-being in relation to COVID-19 work. Conclusions: Disturbing mental health implications were found among health care workers. Those surveyed showed elevated levels of experiencing anxiety and stress, as well as reduced well-being while working during the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure optimal mental well-being among medical professionals, he recommends guaranteeing access to mental health support and assistance programs for health care workers.
... Bliss and Bray (2005, p. 66) say complimenting has historically been one of the SF therapist's "key tasks" and call attention to its prominence in the European Brief Therapy Association's (EBTA) requirements for evaluating whether or not clinical work is Solution-Focused. And keeping with Ginger ich's standards from his 2000 article, Gingerich and Peterson's (2013) review of controlled outcome studies utilising SF approaches cited compliments as one of the key techniques in their operational definition of SFBT. ...
Complimenting has been a criterion within Solution-Focused Brief Therapy history and tradition. From the early development of the approach in Milwaukee, compliments played a key role in pointing out client strengths/resources and heightening the end-of-session task. In this manuscript, complimenting is reviewed historically. Then the practice is critiqued using the notion of “not-knowing” (Anderson & Goolishian, 1992; De Jong & Berg, 2012), followed by a commentary on possible cultural considerations that need to be considered by the SF practitioner. Finally, a review of traditional complimenting is offered along with additional types, with alternate applications and clinical examples that better fit with not knowing and intercultural practices (Miller, 2014)
... SFBT can also be an effective intervention for a variety of mental health and well-being outcomes with mandated or service-resistant clients by creating a more collaborative approach to addressing client needs (Kim & Franklin, 2015). Several systematic reviews and meta-analysis studies have shown SFBT to have small to medium, positive treatment Journal of Solution Focused Practices -40 effects for internalizing problem behaviors, externalizing problem behaviors, and family-related problems (Gingerich et al., 2012;Gingerich & Peterson, 2013;Kim, 2008). More recently, a randomized controlled trial with families involved in the child welfare system found SFBT to be effective in helping parents with substance abuse related problems, trauma, child well-being, and family well-being (Kim et al., 2018;. ...
Many fatherhood programs provide curriculum-based peer groups, but the evidence for their effectiveness is limited and prior studies highlight challenges in recruiting and retaining participants. This pilot study aimed to test the effectiveness of a standard fatherhood curriculum enhanced with Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) using a quasi-experimental design. Study outcomes included father involvement and parenting skills measured immediately post-intervention. A sample of 92 fathers (M age = 35.2) participating in a fatherhood program were recruited to participate in the study. Due to COVID-19, the treatment groups were moved to an online format. Independent samples and paired samples t-test were used to detect group differences and Hedges’s effect sizes were also calculated to examine magnitude of treatment effects. Although the SFBT-enhanced peer group curriculum did not outperform the comparison curriculum, the online version of the SFBT-enhanced curriculum was found to be equivalent to the in-person curriculum. These novel findings suggest that online fatherhood groups may be similarly as effective as in-person groups, which may increase opportunities for access and participation in fatherhood programs.
... Moreover, in this approach, the therapist tries to create a reciprocal cooperation with the client to give them a role in solving the problem. One of the most important advantages of the solution-focused approach is the limited number of sessions, which predisposes to better acceptance and reduced costs [30]. Counseling is used as a common method to improve the sexual quality of life, and can be done in two ways, face-to-face and online [31]. ...
Background
Breast cancer, as the most prevalent malignancy among women globally and in Iran, affects important aspects of the lives of the survivors of this condition, especially the quality of sexual life. Solution-focused brief therapy is one of the therapeutic counseling approaches used in various fields, including sexual function problems. In recent years, online and internet-mediated counseling methods have received more attention.
Objective
This study investigated the effect of online counseling based on a solution-focused approach in improving the sexual quality of life (SQL) of women with breast cancer.
Materials & methods
In this clinical trial, the research population consisted of women with a history of breast cancer with a recorded file in Shahid Ramazanzadeh Radiation Oncology Center in Yazd and at least 6 months had elapsed since the end of their treatment. After selecting 80 samples based on the random numbers table, they were assigned into two groups of 40, i.e., active control and intervention, using random allocation software. Participants in the intervention group were given online counseling through the Skyroom space with a solution-focused approach. Eight weekly sessions were held each lasting 60–90 min. The active control group received an educational file to improve the SQL. All participants in two groups completed the SQL questionnaire at the beginning of the study, at the end of the study, and 1 month after the study. Data were analyzed with SPSS18 using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results
Finally, the data of 33 participants in the intervention group and 32 participants in the active control group were analyzed. The mean score of the SQL in the intervention group increased from 68.57 ± 18.63 before the intervention to 78.84 ± 12.7 immediately after the intervention (P = 0.015), and to 79.60 ± 19.88 1 month after the intervention (P = 0.012). The mean score of the SQL in the active control group increased from 64.45 ± 22.76 before the intervention to 67.20 ± 20.29 immediately after the intervention (P = 0.33), and to 68.70 ± 20.76 1 month after the intervention (P = 0.62). The difference in the mean score of the SQL before and after the intervention between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.007).
Conclusion
It seems that the use of counseling with a solution-focused approach in women with a history of breast cancer improves the SQL. Thus, considering the effectiveness of this type of training, it is recommended that this method be used as a sexual health counseling method in medical centers.
Trial registration
This clinical trial is registered in Iranian registry center of clinical trials (IRCT) by registration code of IRCT20201221049784N1 in 06/03/2021.
... Various e cacy studies have demonstrated the favorable outcomes associated with a solution-focused therapeutic approach (Gingerich & Peterson, 2013;Kim, 2008). Grant (2012) was the rst to directly compare the impact of solution-focused and problem-focused questioning. ...
The present study investigated the differences in movement synchrony and therapeutic alliance between solution-focused and problem-focused counseling. Thirty-four participants each attended two counseling sessions with different counselors, one with a solution-focus and one with a problem-focus, in randomized order. The sessions consisted of three consecutive parts: problem description, standardized intervention and free intervention. Movement synchrony, including leading and pacing synchrony, was measured using Motion Energy Analysis (MEA) and windowed cross-lagged correlation (WCLC) based on video recordings of the sessions. The Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAQ) was used to assess therapeutic alliance. Results showed that movement synchrony was higher in solution-focused than in problem-focused counseling ( p = .04), driven by differences in the problem description part. This difference may be attributed to allegiance, as we observed more leading synchrony during the problem description part in solution-focused sessions. There was no significant difference in therapeutic alliance between the two conditions. This study expands the understanding of counseling approaches in the field of behavioral synchrony and contributes valuable insights for practitioners and researchers alike.
This study investigates school counselors' perspectives on the implementation of solution-focused counseling within educational settings. The research involved ten school counselors (six female and four male) employed across various educational levels—primary, middle, and high schools—in Izmir. A qualitative phenomenological approach was utilized for this study, and participants were selected through a snowball sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview protocol developed by the researchers. Analysis of the interview transcripts revealed two main categories: theoretical and practical. Within the theoretical category, the identified themes included problem areas, strengths, and limitations of solution-focused counseling. The practical category encompassed themes such as functional use, techniques, and application preferences. The counselors reported employing solution-focused counseling in their schools and deemed it effective. They also highlighted the challenges posed by large caseloads and substantial workloads, noting that the solution-focused approach significantly aids in addressing these issues. The results are discussed in relation to existing literature on solution-focused counseling and its application in school settings.
Objective
The objective of this study was to examine the variability of child health and psychosocial outcomes in the context of maternal role overload and maternal depression.
Background
Role overload, characterized as time‐based role stress, is commonly linked to depression in mothers. However, it remains uncertain whether maternal role overload poses a risk for negative child health and wellness. Although maternal depression is a known risk factor for poor child health and psychosocial outcomes, the outcomes themselves often reveal variability.
Method
This study aimed to investigate the heterogeneity of child health and psychosocial outcomes using latent profile analyses. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine differences in profile membership based on the child's experiences of maternal role overload and depression. Data were from 1,172 mother–child dyads from the Family Matters study.
Results
The analyses unveiled four distinct profiles (i.e., moderate health/psychosocial wellness, poor health/moderate psychosocial wellness, struggling health/poor psychosocial wellness, thriving health/psychosocial wellness), each associated with varying levels of health and psychosocial wellness. Both maternal role overload and depression were found to heighten the risk of poor health and psychosocial wellness in children.
Conclusion
Children with struggling and poor health and psychosocial outcomes had higher odds of maternal depression and maternal role overload than children in the thriving profile. These findings suggest that maternal role overload is a potential risk to child health and psychosocial outcomes.
Implications
These findings emphasize the importance of continuous depression screening in mothers and the implementation of solution‐focused interventions targeting maternal role overload.
The review is published as open access. The full text is available following the DOI link.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10503307.2024.2406540
This article illustrates solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) through two case stories, showcasing its pragmatic approach in addressing complex issues with adolescents. SFBT emphasizes strengths, possibilities, and collaborative conversations to co-create solutions. Two case studies of learning disorder and ADHD highlight the significance of focusing on strengths and interests in enabling therapeutic progress and how goal-setting and solution-oriented discussions can foster agency and consistency. These vignettes underscore SFBT’s future-focused and goal-directed nature, prioritizing strengths and the client’s capacity for change. By adhering to SFBT’s philosophy, the therapists guided the clients toward practical and effective solutions to meet their challenges.
Background
Risk of suicide is increased immediately following emergency department (ED) attendance for self-harm. Evidence suggests that brief psychological interventions delivered in EDs are effective for self-harm. The Assured intervention comprises an enhanced biopsychosocial assessment in the ED, collaborative safety planning and three rapid solution focused follow-up sessions.
Aim
We addressed the following research questions: What were ED mental health liaison practitioners’ and patients’ experiences of the Assured intervention? What were the barriers and facilitators? What might the mechanisms be for improving experiences and outcomes?
Methods
We conducted a feasibility study of the Assured intervention in four EDs in Southeast England. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 practitioners and 27 patients. Interviews were transcribed, coded line-by-line in Nvivo and thematically analysed using an inductive approach. Inter-rater reliability was calculated with a kappa coefficient of 0.744.
Purpose
This study examines the impact of “Change in Direction,” a counseling approach for long-term social assistance recipients in Switzerland.
Method
The results of the study are based on a randomized controlled trial ( n intervention group = 31/32, n comparison group = 50/48). Outcome measures were obtained from a two-wave survey and administrative data.
Results
The intervention increased clients’ mastery (= experience of competence, β = .46, p = .038) and vitality (= one aspect of well-being, β = .61, p = .008), reducing the gap with the general Swiss working age population by 35% and 54%, respectively. However, the intervention did not increase clients’ general life satisfaction or earnings, nor did it reduce health expenditures or cash transfer receipt.
Discussion
Findings show that goal-oriented counseling can improve feelings of competence and well-being among long-term welfare recipients but that it cannot improve labor market outcomes and financial self-sufficiency.
Following an initiative started in the late ’90s by Dr Alasdair Macdonald, the European Brief Therapy Association (EBTA) continues to maintain and update a list of references to research and other relevant publications on the solution-focused approach. The current scoping review from the EBTA Research Task Group members aimed to identify trends in the methodology and results emerging from the latest research of the solution-focused practices added to the list. A total of 58 research articles published in 2022 were identified and reviewed for main trends in sample, study, intervention characteristics, and the main findings. Several trends in each of these aspects emerged from the data during the process of scoping review. Along with the summary of the main trends, related issues and questions important for practitioners, researchers, and the whole solution-focused community are discussed in the article. Finally, recommendations for future research are put forward to aid in providing answers to remaining questions relevant to the establishment of the solution-focused approach as an evidence-based practice.
The effects of Solution-focused brief counseling on problem solving attitude of high school students.
Praktek Bimbingan Sosial Bagi Klien Pemasyarakatan Resiko Tinggi, dapat diselesaikan sesuai rencana yang telah ditetapkan. Buku Praktek Bimbingan Sosial Bagi Klien Pemasyarakatan Resiko Tinggi, dapat dijadikan sebagai acuan dalam Praktek Bimbingan Sosial Bagi Klien Pemasyarakatan Resiko Tinggi di Indonesia yang pelaksanaannya dilakukan secara simultan sesuai tahapan dalam intervensi sosial. Bimbingan Konseling yang dilaksanakan dilaksanakan secara runtut sehingga apa yang ingin dicapai dari bimbingan konseling bagi klien dapat dilanksanakn dengan baik dan secara profesional. Seorang Pekerja Sosial Koreksional (Pembimbing Kemasyarakatan) dapat melaksanakan intervensi sosial terhadap klien sesuai kebutuhan klien, sehingga proses bimbingan konseling bisa berlangsung sesuai rencana yang telah direncanakan. Secara umum dalam Praktek Bimbingan Sosial Bagi Klien Pemasyarakatan Resiko Tinggi semua tahapan intervensi sosial dijalankan dengan bertahap sehingga bisa dievaluasi setiap tahapan kegiatannya. Bimbingan Konseling terhadap klien dilakukan secara secara konfrenhensif sehingga bisa diperoleh kebutuhan dan juga resiko yang dimiliki klien sehingga bisa disusun sebuah model bimbingan yang sesuai dengan kebutuhan dan resiko dari klien itu sendiri.
Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of solutionfocused approach and compassion-focused therapy on emotional cognitive regulation and post-traumatic stress disorder in female-headed households. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental having pre-test and posttest with a control group. The statistical population included female-headed households who referred to the Welfare Center of Tehran province in 2021. Thirty-six female-headed households were selected through simple random sampling and randomly assigned to three groups of 12 (two experimental groups and one control group). The research instruments were Mississippi (2006) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale and Garnfsky, Grich & Spinhaven (2002) Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Participants in the experimental group received Grant’s (2011) Solution-focused counseling sessions and Gilbert’s (2010) Compassionate Therapy sessions, both for 8 sessions. In addition to descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance and Benferoni pair comparison were used to analyze the data Findings: The results of data analysis showed that the differences between the three groups in the variables of adaptive emotion regulation (F=30.61, P <0.001), uncompromising emotion regulation (F=22.73, P<0.001) and post-traumatic stress disorder (F=37.45, P <0.001), is significant. There is no significant difference between solution-focused therapy and compassion-focused therapy on the regulation of compromised emotion and post-traumatic stress disorder, but there is a significant difference in the noncompromised variable. Conclusion: The findings of this study shows that solution-focused therapy and compassion-focused therapy were both effective in improving cognitive emotion regulation and stress disorder (PTSD), and of the two approaches can be used to reduce emotional regulation and post-traumatic stress disorder in female-headed Households.
Çözüm odaklı kısa süreli terapi Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’nde 1980’lerin
başlarında ortaya çıkmış bir psikoterapi yaklaşımı olarak, günümüzde
psikiyatri, klinik psikoloji, psikolojik danışmanlık, koçluk, mentörlük, sosyal
hizmet ve hatta hemşirelik de olmak üzere birçok farklı alanda hizmet veren
uzmanlar tarafından kullanılabilmektedir. Sorun odaklı geleneksel görüşü
terk edip çözüm odaklı görüşü benimsemesi yönüyle, bu yaklaşımın ruh
sağlığı alanında oldukça yenilikçi bir yaklaşım olduğu söylenebilir. Türkiye’de
konuyla ilgili araştırma ve uygulamaların gerçekleştirilmesi de ancak son
yıllarda ivme kazanmıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, çözüm odaklı kısa süreli
terapiyi tarihçesi, felsefi temelleri, temel varsayımları, danışana, değişime ve
terapiste olan bakışı, uygulama süreci ve etkililiğiyle birlikte kapsamlı bir
şekilde ele almaktır. Bu şekilde çözüm odaklı kısa süreli terapinin gelecek vaat
eden yönlerinin vurgulanması ve ilgili araştırmacı ve uygulayıcılara yol
gösterilmesi hedeflenmektedir.
Çözüm odaklı kısa süreli terapi Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’nde 1980’lerin başlarında ortaya çıkmış bir psikoterapi yaklaşımı olarak, günümüzde psikiyatri, klinik psikoloji, psikolojik danışmanlık, koçluk, mentörlük, sosyal hizmet ve hatta hemşirelik de olmak üzere birçok farklı alanda hizmet veren uzmanlar tarafından kullanılabilmektedir. Sorun odaklı geleneksel görüşü terk edip çözüm odaklı görüşü benimsemesi yönüyle, bu yaklaşımın ruh sağlığı alanında oldukça yenilikçi bir yaklaşım olduğu söylenebilir. Türkiye’de konuyla ilgili araştırma ve uygulamaların gerçekleştirilmesi de ancak son yıllarda ivme kazanmıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, çözüm odaklı kısa süreli terapiyi tarihçesi, felsefi temelleri, temel varsayımları, danışana, değişime ve terapiste olan bakışı, uygulama süreci ve etkililiğiyle birlikte kapsamlı bir şekilde ele almaktır. Bu şekilde çözüm odaklı kısa süreli terapinin gelecek vaat eden yönlerinin vurgulanması ve ilgili araştırmacı ve uygulayıcılara yol gösterilmesi hedeflenmektedir.
Purpose: This meta-analytic study aimed to assess the overall effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) for adolescents’ problems in the school context. Methods: According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the study searched the various electronic databases between January 1, 1990, and April 30, 2022, to find studies that met the research criteria in both English and Turkish language. Results: Nine experimental trials (five randomized and four nonrandomized) which met all selection criteria were included in the analysis with a total sample size of 309 (154 from the experiment and 155 from the control group). The findings reported a result favoring the effectiveness of SFBT for adolescents’ school-related problems ( g = 1.80, 95% CI [.94–2.66]). Discussion: We believe that this study has advanced our understanding of the valid evidence base for the effectiveness of SFBT by showing promising outcomes on the potential effectiveness of SFBT in treating adolescents’ school-related problems.
Solution-focused approaches are one approach to treatment used in a wide variety of settings in modern mental healthcare services. As yet, there has been no overall synthesis of how this approach is understood in the adult mental health literature. This conceptual review aimed to synthesize the ways that solution-focused approaches have been conceptualized and understood, within the adult mental health literature, in the five decades since their conception. A systematic search followed by multiple techniques from the narrative synthesis approach were used to develop a conceptual framework of the extracted data. Fifty-six papers published between 1993 and 2019 were included in the review. These papers spanned a variety of clinical contexts and countries, but despite this the underlying key principles and concepts of solution-focused approaches were remarkably similar over time and setting. Thematic analysis of extracted data outlined five key themes relevant to the conceptualization of this approach. This conceptual framework will help support clinicians using solution-focused techniques or therapies by giving them a coherent understanding of such approaches, by what mechanisms they work, and how key principles of this approach can be utilized in adult mental health settings.
Aus psychologischer Sicht ist ein adäquater Umgang mit emotionalen Belastungen (Coping) und die Bereitschaft zur Umsetzung der vereinbarten therapeutischen Maßnahmen (Adhärenz) wesentlich für das Gelingen der präoperativen Konditionierung. Dieses Kapitel gibt daher einen Überblick über mögliche Schwierigkeiten beim Coping und der Adhärenz in der Frühphase der Erkrankung und im Zeitraum der Prähabilitation. Des Weiteren wird skizziert, wie Patienten durch die Anwendung allgemeiner psychologische Gestaltungsprinzipien und spezieller psychologischer Interventionen in beiden Bereichen unterstützt werden können. Dabei wird auch auf psychologische und medizinethische Besonderheiten während des Aufklärungsgesprächs, durch den Einbezug eines Vertrauten und bei prämorbiden psychischen und kognitiven Störungen eingegangen.
The Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy is the definitive, practical guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) for clinicians and researchers. IPT is a well-researched, time-limited, and diagnosis-focused therapy. An update and expansion of the original 1984, 2000, and 2007 IPT manuals, this guide illustrates not only individual IPT treatment for patients with major depression but also adaptations of IPT for different diagnoses, patient populations, and treatment formats. This book is the basis for the extensive research that has validated IPT and led to its listing in treatment guidelines.
Written by the originators of the treatment and one of its leading researchers, this updated and expanded guide describes how to approach clinical encounters with patients, how to focus IPT treatment, and how to handle therapeutic difficulties. IPT can be combined with medication, and it is a safe alternative to medication for individuals who may not be able to take antidepressants. IPT has been shown not only to relieve symptoms but to build social skills as well. Learn how to use IPT to effectively treat depression and other disorders including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, posttraumatic stress, and borderline personality disorder. With clinical examples and sample therapist scripts throughout, The Guide summarizes the theoretical and empirical background of IPT and focuses on teaching you the best way to deliver this effective, immensely practical treatment.
This chapter presents an overview to the general structure of solutionfocused brief therapy (SFBT). The chapter inludes an overview, description, and rationale for SFBT, explanation of goals and goal setting in SFBT, a description of how SFBT is contrasted with other treatments, a look at specific active ingredients and therapist behaviors in SFBT, and a discussion on the nature of the client-therapist relationship in SFBT. The chapter also looks at format, session format and content; compatibility with adjunctive therapies; the target population; meeting the needs of special populations; therapist characteristics and requirements; and therapist training and supervision.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT; de Shazer & Berg, 1997) is rapidly becoming an accepted form of counseling. However, critics of SFBT point to little empirical evidence of effectiveness and to its emphasis on pursuing goals at the expense of the therapeutic relationship. Because the therapeutic relationship is considered crucial for brief interpersonal therapy ( BIT), this study compared the relationship between working alliance and outcome for 26 SFBT clients and 38 BIT clients. Results indicated that although both therapies produced significant positive changes in psychological distress and client satisfaction, the working alliance was associated with positive changes only for BIT. Also, anticipated differences in working alliance bonds were not present between the SFBT and BIT approaches.
Solution-focused therapy is a strengths-based approach, emphasizing the resources people invariably possess and how these can be applied to the change process. A review was undertaken on the treatment outcome research involving solution-focused therapy to determine empirically its effectiveness. The review involved experimental or quasi-experimental designs conducted from 1985 to 2006 and was limited to published studies written in the English language. Subject, intervention and methodological information on studies were collected, as well as statistical information necessary to calculate effect sizes. After searching the literature, ten studies were located and described. No particular characteristics emerged regarding studies with high versus low effect sizes. Implications for research are advanced based on the review, especially related to social work practice.
Solution-focused brief counseling (SFBC) is an efficient and direct approach to therapy that emphasizes problem identification and solutions. A multiple-baseline-across-participants design was used to evaluate the effects of a SFBC intervention on mathematics assignment completion and accuracy across six fifth-grade students who were failing math. The majority of the participants showed an immediate improvement in assignments completed and these improvements were generally maintained. Although intervention accuracy rates were higher than baseline accuracy rates, they continued to remain fairly low across phases. Discussion focuses on the utility of SFBC as an academic intervention in school settings. Strengths and limitations of the current study are addressed along with implications for practice and future research.
A school-based substance abuse prevention program based on the assumptions of the ASCA National Model[R] was designed to change adolescent females' drug-using behaviors. The program was designed to reduce substance abuse, increase negative attitudes toward drug use, and reduce negative behaviors while increasing positive behaviors, knowledge of the physical symptoms of drug use, student achievement, and self-esteem. Group sessions were based on solution-focused brief therapy and action learning theory and were supplemented by mentorship from community members and peers. Positive outcomes were found on five dependent variables. (Contains 1 table.)
This preliminary study investigated the use of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) with older adults in Mexico. The three session SFBT treatment focused on a self-defined problem, such as relationship issues or psychological well-being. Compared with a waiting list control group, the treatment group showed significant posttest improvements as indicated by the Outcome Questionnaire, the participant and an independent assessor. There was a significant difference between groups on participants' perception of goal achievement and in pre-post change during therapy on the Outcome Questionnaire. This study provides preliminary tentative support for the use of SFBT with the geriatric population in Mexico.
A clinical research project tested the efficacy of a Solution-Focused Approach for addressing problem behaviors of nursing home residents with dementia. A total of 84 family members and nurses aides participated in a controlled study of 21 residents who were aggressive and/or wandered. A repeated measures analysis of variance indicated: (1) family members perceived behaviors as less problematic than did nurses aides; and (2) family members and nurses aides perceived diminished problems in behaviors over time. Based on these findings, suggestions are offered for both practice and future research.
A method of assessing outcome after psychotherapy in private practice or clinics is described. Use of this system is illustrated by reference to the progress and rate of recovery of 27 patients seen by a private practice clinician in comparison with base rates from a prior study. The results suggested more rapid recovery in the patients treated by an experienced clinician committed to a brief, solution focused psychotherapy. The methodology reported, based on weekly assessment of patient progress and the use of clinical significance markers, has implications for routine clinical practice as well as for managed health care practices and social policy decisions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Crohn's disease patients have a decreased Quality of Life (QoL) which is in part due to extreme fatigue. In a pilot study we prospectively assessed the feasibility and effect of psychological interventions in the management of fatigue.
Patients with quiescent Crohn's disease and a high fatigue score according to the Checklist Individual Strength were randomized to Problem Solving Therapy (PST), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) or to a control group (treatment as usual, TAU). Patients completed the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, the EuroQol-5D, and the Trimbos questionnaire for Costs.
Twenty-nine patients were included (12 TAU, 9 PST, 8 SFT), of these 72% were female, mean age was 31 years (range 20-50). The SFT group improved on the fatigue scale in 85.7% of the patients, in the PST group 60% showed improved fatigue scores and in the TAU group 45.5%. Although not significant, in both intervention groups the QoL increased. Medical costs lowered in 57.1% of the patients in the SFT group, in the TAU 45.5% and the in PST group 20%. The drop out rate was highest in the PST group (44%; SFT 12.5%; TAU 8.3%).
PST and SFT both positively affect the fatigue and QoL scores in patients with Crohn's disease. SFT seems most feasible with fewer dropouts and is therefore a promising new tool in the management of fatigue in Crohn's disease patients.
A school-based substance abuse prevention program based on the assumptions of the ASCA National Model® was designed to change adolescent females’ drug-using behaviors. The program was designed to reduce substance abuse, increase negative attitudes toward drug use, and reduce negative behaviors while increasing positive behaviors, knowledge of the physical symptoms of drug use, student achievement, and self-esteem. Group sessions were based on solution-focused brief therapy and action learning theory and were supplemented by mentorship from community members and peers. Positive outcomes were found on five dependent variables.
Therapy is frequently miscast as requiring an enormous amount of time and financial commitment, but helpful, goal-oriented therapy can produce positive results after only a few sessions. Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) has been gaining momentum as a powerful therapeutic approach since its inception in the 1980s. By focusing on solutions instead of problems, it asks clients to set concrete goals and to draw upon strengths in their lives that can help bring about the desired change for a preferred future. Chapters review the current state of research on SFBT interventions and illustrate its applications-both proven and promising-with a diverse variety of populations, including domestic violence offenders, troubled and runaway youth, students, adults with substance abuse problems, and clients with schizophrenia. This text also includes a treatment manual, strengths-based and fidelity measures, and detailed descriptions on how to best apply SFBT to underscore the strengths, skills, and resources that clients may unknowingly possess.
Orthopedic rehabilitation programs utilizing a multidisciplinary approach invite a greater appreciation for the factors which influence the recovery process. This study evaluated variables associated with the psychosocial adjustment of work hardening program participants when exposed to Solution-Focused psychotherapy. Orthopedic patients receiving workers' compensation were engaged in a work hardening program in which they received either Solution-Focused therapy or the standard rehabilitation protocol. Patients and spouses completed questionnaires designed to evaluate psychosocial coping and adjustment to a medical condition. Patients across all investigated orthopedic categories demonstrated enhanced adjustment to their condition when treatment groups were compared with control groups. It is proposed that Solution-Focused therapy, in conjunction with work hardening protocols, is effective for patients when developing effective coping responses to the stressors associated with orthopedic rehabilitation.
This chapter provides an overview of solution-focused therapy, an approach that emphasizes the strengths people bring and how these can be applied to the change process.The theoretical roots of solution-focused therapy, the underlying assumptions of the approach, and the research on solutionfocused therapy are discussed.The main focus of the chapter is on solutionfocused techniques, such as the purposive use of language, joining with the client to foster collaborative work, exploring non-problem situations for solutions, creating a future without the problem, and scaling interventions for goal-setting and measuring progress.
Such diverse thinkers as Lao-Tze, Confucius, and U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld have all pointed out that we need to be able to tell the difference between real and assumed knowledge. The systematic review is a scientific tool that can help with this difficult task. It can help, for example, with appraising, summarising, and communicating the results and implications of otherwise unmanageable quantities of data. This book, written by two highly-respected social scientists, provides an overview of systematic literature review methods: Outlining the rationale and methods of systematic reviews; Giving worked examples from social science and other fields; Applying the practice to all social science disciplines; It requires no previous knowledge, but takes the reader through the process stage by stage; Drawing on examples from such diverse fields as psychology, criminology, education, transport, social welfare, public health, and housing and urban policy, among others. Including detailed sections on assessing the quality of both quantitative, and qualitative research; searching for evidence in the social sciences; meta-analytic and other methods of evidence synthesis; publication bias; heterogeneity; and approaches to dissemination.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy with children who have classroom-related behavior
problems within a school setting. Five to seven sessions of solution-focused brief therapy services were provided to 67 children,
identified by school faculty and staff as needing assistance in solving behavior problems. Teacher in-service training and
three to four consultation meetings were also provided. Externalizing and Internalizing scores from both the Youth Self-Report
and Teacher Report Forms of the Child Behavior Checklist were used as outcome measures. Outcomes were evaluated by using a
pretest/posttest follow-up design with a comparison group. Effect sizes and improved percentage scores were calculated. Findings
provide support that solution-focused brief therapy was effective in improving internalizing and externalizing behavior problems.
I was interested to read the paper on solution-focused brief therapy by Iveson (2002), and the commentary by Gopfert (2002).
Solution-focused brief therapy is a valuable treatment approach within psychiatry, although the outcome research shows that other approaches are needed for some patients.
G
This randomized control trial study evaluated the effectiveness of the solution-focused approach in addressing academic, motivational, and socioemotional needs of 14 children with reading difficulties. The intervention group received five 40-min solution-focused sessions. The control group received academic homework support. Results showed advantages for the intervention condition in 26 out of 38 measures. The mean eta-squared effect size for intervention was .20 (very) large. For the control group, there were only 10 effects favoring it and the mean was .09, a medium sized effect, both significantly greater than 0 (p < .01). Comparisons of the solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) effect sizes to the mean of the control showed it was significantly larger (p < .001), confirming that SFBT was an efficacious intervention in this sample.
Objective: A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). Method: Hierarchical linear modeling software was used to synthesize the primary studies to calculate an overall effect size estimate and test for between-study variability. Results: Solution-focused brief therapy demonstrated small but positive treatment effects favoring SFBT group on the outcome measures (d = 0.13 to 0.26). Only the magnitude of the effect for internalizing behavior problems was statistically significant at the p < .05 level, thereby indicating that the treatment effect for SFBT group is different than the control group. Conclusions: This study allows social workers interested in solution-focused brief therapy to examine the empirical evidence quickly and with more definitive information.
Despite the preliminary studies that support solution-focused brief therapy, limited research has examined the model as a group intervention with students at risk for academic underachievement and school nonattendance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the model on school attendance and grade point average. Solution-focused brief therapy was evaluated through a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest comparison group design in which 26 students receiving the intervention were compared to 26 students who did not. Compared to students who did not receive the intervention, students in the treatment group increased their grade point average from pretreatment to posttreatment. Conversely, no differences were found between the two groups on attendance. Solution-focused brief therapy shows promise as a group intervention with at-risk students. Moreover, the findings suggest the continued support of the model during a time in which K-12 education emphasizes accountability, hard data, and the bottom line.
The purpose of this investigation was to explore appropriate intervention methods for helping Korean youth probationers reduce their aggressiveness and increase their social adjustment. This study examined the effectiveness of solution-focused group treatment with Korean youth probationers using a pre- and post-test control group design. The researcher randomly assigned the consented 40 participants either to an experimental group that received the solution-focused session or to a control group that took individual supportive sessions on a needed basis. The pre- and post-test scores of each group were compared using the Aggressiveness and Social Readjustment Questionnaire to confirm the levels of statistical significance between the two groups. Results indicate that solution-focused group treatment was followed by positive changes with the participants' aggressiveness and social adjustment problems. This study also suggests that a solution-focused program is an appropriate short-term intervention for Korean probation youth.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether solution-focused group therapy has an effect on the psychological health and return-to-work rates of people on long-term sick leave. The Swedish Health Insurance program in Värmland chose the sample. A total of 30 individuals who had been on sick leave between 1 and 5 months participated. Participants were randomized to two conditions after the pretest measures were completed. The two conditions were solution-focused group therapy or a waiting list control group. The solution-focused groups met for eight 3-hour sessions. The outcome measures included both return-to-work status and psychological measures, specifically the Outcome Questionnaire-45.2 (OQ-45.2), Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), Pain Beliefs and Perception Inventory (Williams & Thorn, 1989), and Visual Analogue Scales (VAS).The study found that the treatment group returned to work at a significantly higher rate than the control group, worked more days, and that their psychological health had improved at the end of treatment. The difference between the groups regarding psychological health continued, and the difference in work status increased at a follow-up assessment 3 months after completion of treatment. These findings suggest that solution-focused group therapy may be useful in helping patients on sick leave to return to work. Continued research is necessary, of course, including replication of the study by research teams.
Behavior problems are the most common reason that children and adolescents are referred to treatment. This study presents a rationale for the application of solution-focused therapy to behavior problems and tests this assumption. Children who were referred from the school setting for behavior problems (N = 239) were treated with either solution-focused therapy or “treatment-as-usual” at a school of social work-sponsored mental health clinic. Hypotheses for this quasi-experimental, pretest/posttest design were that treatment engagement would be higher in the solution-focused therapy group and that the solution-focused therapy group children over the “treatment-as-usual” group would show greater improvement according to both parent and child reports. Logistic regression and MANOVA were the data analysis procedures to test hypotheses. Findings were as follows; the solution-focused therapy group had better treatment engagement, but there were no statistically significant differences between groups on perceptions of child behaviors from either parents (Conners Parent Rating Scale) or child reports (Feelings, Attitudes, and Behaviors Scale for Children). An examination of pre-and posttest differences over time for each group indicated similar improvements in treatment according to parent reports. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Counseling designed to be time-limited is a valuable tool for counselors in school settings. Three approaches to brief counseling were investigated in this naturalistic study: problem-focused with task, problem-focused without task, and solution-focused with task. Quantitative and qualitative measures were used to explore aspects of single-session brief counseling. 61 high school students made significant changes from the 2nd- to the 6th-wk follow-up in alleviating their concerns and increasing the percentage of goal achieved. Students dramatically decreased the intensity of undesired feelings from before the counseling session through the 2nd follow-up. Solution-focused counseling was as effective as the other 2 approaches, while taking less time. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Investigated the effectiveness of Solution Focused Parenting group participation as an intervention strategy for parental management of common adolescent problem behavior. Parents of adolescents were randomly assigned to an experimental (
N = 30) or control (
N = 12) group (mean age 41.2 and 39.8 yrs, respectively). A pre- and post-test design using the Parenting Skills Inventory (L. Nash, 1988) and the Family Strengths Strengths Self-Report (N. Stinnet, 1981; D. Olson et al, 1983) were used to assess change. The experimental group received a 6-wk Solution Focused Parenting Intervention. Statistical results indicate significant differences between the 2 groups, the Parenting Skills Inventory provided the majority of the statistical significance. Specific Parenting Skills Inventory scales are discussed in terms of their contribution to parenting and therapy interventions. This outcome lends support to the basic theoretical assumptions of the effectiveness of Solution Focused therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of selected solution-focused therapy techniques on levels of hope in clients with depressive symptoms. A pretest-posttest control group design was utilized for the study. Fifty-two participants were equally divided into experimental and control groups and tested at two locations in central Mississippi. The experimental group was exposed to three solution-focused therapy techniques, while the control group was exposed to a more traditional past-focused treatment plan. The Nowotny Hope Scale (NHS) was used to measure levels of hope and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used as a criterion for inclusion. After the posttest data was collected, an analysis of covariance was conducted to determine whether or not levels of hope increased significantly. The results indicated that, consistent with the hypothesis, the experimental group had significantly higher levels of hope than did the control group (p < .05). Unexpectedly, however, BDI scores did not improve significantly. The research study concludes with possible reasons for the increase in hope scores and the unexpected findings, as well as possible implications for therapy and suggestions regarding future research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
The purpose of the study was to pilot a family centred brief solution-focused therapy model (BSFT) with families and clients diagnosed with schizophrenia. A control group of clients and their families received traditional outpatient therapy, while an experimental group of clients and their families were treated with a BSFT model. All participants were pre-tested and then post-tested with the Family Environment Scale after five therapy sessions over a ten-week period. Significant differences between the groups were found on expressiveness, active-recreational orientation, moral-religious emphasis and family incongruence. The participation of families and clients with schizophrenia in family centred brief solution-focused therapy produced encouraging results and demonstrated the need for expanded studies using BSFT with other chronically mentally ill clients and their families.
Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a new and increasingly used therapeutic approach that focuses on helping clients construct solutions rather than solve problems. The approach evolved in a clinical context amid many anecdotal reports of success from both therapists and clients, but it has not been subjected to controlled empirical testing until very recently. In this article we critically review all of the controlled outcome studies of SFBT to date (N = 15) to assess the extent to which SFBT has received empirical support. Five studies were well-controlled and all showed positive outcomes—four found SFBT to be better than no treatment or standard institutional services, and one found SFBT to be comparable to a known intervention: Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression (IPT). Findings from the remaining 10 studies, which we consider moderately or poorly controlled, were consistent with a hypothesis of SFBT effectiveness. We conclude that the 15 studies provide preliminary support for the efficacy of SFBT but do not permit a definitive conclusion. Our critique highlights areas where methodology in future studies can be strengthened to provide more conclusive evidence of SFBT efficacy.
Objective To evaluate the outcome of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy as an individual intervention among foster care adolescents using "traditional" methods of between-group comparison as well as analysis at individual level by assessing reliable and clinically significant change.Material and methods The research was conducted at seven foster care homes in Lithuania. Treatment (age average 14.6) and control groups consisted of 46 adolescents each. Control group was similar to the treatment group considering gender, age and pre-treatment evaluation of behavior and perceived somatic and cognitive difficulties. Participants could attend a maximum of 5 sessions. Post-treatment evaluation was conducted 6Â weeks after the pre-treatment evaluation. Behavior and perceived somatic and cognitive difficulties were assessed using Standardized Interview for the Evaluation of Adolescents' Problems. The outcome of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy was assessed using the following statistical methods: between group comparisons; effect size (Cohen d with Hedges adjustment), reliable and clinically significant change methods proposed by Jacobson and Truax (1991).Results Between-group comparisons revealed that Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is an effective method for reaching positive changes in the area of behavior difficulties among foster care adolescents. 31% of treatment group adolescents reached reliable and clinically significant change in the area of behavior and 29% in the area of perceived somatic and cognitive difficulties. Also, the issue of the necessity of the quantitative criteria allowing decision making about the effectiveness of the treatment at the individual level, when using reliable and clinically significant change method, was raised in the article.
Children of incarcerated parents are five to six times more likely to go to prison than their peers (Johnston, 1995). Yet, there is a lacuna in the literature that examines the effectiveness of interventions for children with an incarcerated family member. The purpose of the present study is to describe a solution-focused, mutual aid group intervention and to examine the effects of the group on the self-esteem of elementary-age Hispanic children of incarcerated parents when compared to a no-treatment comparison group. Implications for social work practice and research with this vulnerable population are addressed.
This is a report on a combined therapy and research project conducted with a seriously criminal population in Swedish prisons and using a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy approach with a focus on networks. Recidivism was significantly lower and less serious among experimental group participants. A case study is included.
Orthopedic rehabilitation programs utilizing a multidisciplinary approach invite a greater appreciation for the factors which
influence the recovery process. This study evaluated variables associated with the psychosocial adjustment of work hardening
program participants when exposed to Solution-Focused psychotherapy. Orthopedic patients receiving workers’ compensation were
engaged in a work hardening program in which they received either Solution-Focused therapy or the standard rehabilitation
protocol. Patients and spouses completed questionnaires designed to evaluate psychosocial coping and adjustment to a medical
condition. Patients across all investigated orthopedic categories demonstrated enhanced adjustment to their condition when
treatment groups were compared with control groups. It is proposed that Solution-Focused therapy, in conjunction with work
hardening protocols, is effective for patients when developing effective coping responses to the stressors associated with
orthopedic rehabilitation.
Psychotherapy is apparently an insufficient treatment for some patients with mood or anxiety disorder. In this study the effectiveness of short-term and long-term psychotherapies was compared with that of psychoanalysis.
A total of 326 psychiatric outpatients with mood or anxiety disorder were randomly assigned to solution-focused therapy, short-term psychodynamic and long-term psychodynamic psychotherapies. Additionally, 41 patients suitable for psychoanalysis were included in the study. The patients were followed from the start of the treatment and assessed 9 times during a 5-year follow-up. The primary outcome measures on symptoms were the Beck Depression Inventory, the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating Scales, and the Symptom Check List, anxiety scale. Primary work ability and functional capacity measures were the Work Ability Index, the Work-subscale of the Social Adjustment Scale, and the Perceived Psychological Functioning Scale.
A reduction in psychiatric symptoms and improvement in work ability and functional capacity was noted in all treatment groups during the 5-year follow-up. The short-term therapies were more effective than psychoanalysis during the first year, whereas the long-term therapy was more effective after 3years of follow-up. Psychoanalysis was most effective at the 5-year follow-up, which also marked the end of the psychoanalysis.
Psychotherapy gives faster benefits than psychoanalysis, but in the long run psychoanalysis seems to be more effective. Results from trials, among patients suitable for psychoanalysis and with longer follow-up, are needed before firm conclusions about the relative effectiveness of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders can be drawn.
Throughout the past 70 years, a great deal of research conducted on defining and testing problem-solving skills has led toward solution-focused practices and philosophies. As a result, some literature exists illustrating the efficacy of solution-focused practices. However, no published research exists on the factors that contribute to solution building. This study tested for components of solution building while creating a solution building inventory. Results from a factor analysis failed to find specific factors within solution building; thus solution building appears to be a unidimensional concept. Implications for using the solution building inventory are discussed.
The application of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) with students and in school settings has grown over the past 10years and has been applied to a number of behavioral and academic problems. This review of the research literature examined the most rigorous outcome studies on SFBT conducted in schools, given its promise within this specific setting and population. In addition, effect size estimates were calculated to further examine the effectiveness, thereby providing more quantitative information for each study. This review found mixed results but SFBT did show promise as a useful approach in working with at-risk students in a school setting, specifically helping students reduce the intensity of their negative feelings, manage their conduct problems, and externalizing behavioral problems.
Socially withdrawn children can improve their social skills through increased self-efficacy. Previous studies have shown that socially withdrawn children are prone to low self-efficacy and problems at school. Therefore, we investigated the effects of an intervention on the self-efficacy of these school children. A solution-focused approach may be an appropriate tool in such interventions.
To explore the effects of a group intervention based on a solution-focused approach on the self-efficacy of a group of socially withdrawn children and to explore possible sex-based differences.
This interventional study was a non-randomized controlled trial, with experimental and control groups.
The study was performed within the school health services of 14 primary schools in eastern Norway from 2006 to 2008.
School children who were aged 12-13 years and identified as socially withdrawn participated: 156 at baseline, but 6 dropped out before the first measurement and an additional 6 did not complete the second measurement.
The participants completed questionnaires assessing general self-efficacy, social self-efficacy, and assertive self-efficacy at three different times. The first time was at baseline, the second was immediately after the 6-week intervention period, and the third was 3 months after the intervention.
The general self-efficacy scores increased significantly among girls in the experimental group immediately after the intervention compared with those of the control group. The effect size was 0.60. No significant change was observed among the boys at the same time. From baseline to 3 months after the intervention, the general self-efficacy scores increased for both sexes in the experimental group and also in the control group. The assertive self-efficacy of the boys in the experimental group also increased (effect size, 0.29).
This study demonstrates that socially withdrawn children can benefit from a solution-focused approach group intervention and reach their goals, probably because they learn from each other and share their feelings, experiences, and support. These results indicate that a solution-focused approach may be suitable for school nurses in their work with children with special needs. Solution-focused groups are also recommended for use in school health services.
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Notre Dame, 2004. Thesis directed by Thomas V. Merluzzi for the Department of Psychology. "July 2004." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 150-157).
Thesis (Ph. D.)--York University, 1997. Includes bibliographical references.
Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio University, June, 1998.
This article describes the form of brief therapy developed at the Brief Family Therapy Center. We have chosen a title similar to Weakland, Fisch, Watzlawick, and Bodin's classic paper, "Brief Therapy: Focused Problem Resolution" (20) to emphasize our view that there is a conceptual relationship and a developmental connection between the points of view expressed in the two papers.
Research review has long been one of the most important scholarly activities in all branches of science. While there is sometimes a single study so well-designed, well carried out, and difficult to replicate that its findings are accepted as conclusive, more often there are many studies on a given topic, no one of which clearly supersedes the others. These studies may be done by different investigators using different methods or different populations. They may arrive at different conclusions. When this is the case, there is a need for reviewers to carefully consider the evidence and to put forth conclusions or hypotheses about where the weight of the evidence lies.