Research in FFT

Research on FFT (Functional Family Therapy) has been ongoing since the development of FFT in the early 1970s, and particularly over the last 15 years, many of the earliest studies have been replicated, still demonstrating measurable effects.

In 1971, Alexander (Alexander, 1971) conducted a randomized controlled study that showed a significant positive effect of the family-based intervention method on family functionality in families with adolescents exhibiting behavioral problems (criminal behavior, school neglect, arrests, unruly behavior).

In 1973, Alexander (Alexander, 1973) conducted another randomized study where the effects of FFT were compared to those of alternative intervention methods, focusing on the recidivism rate among the youth in treatment. The study showed that the positive effects of FFT were maintained over a longer period than those of alternative treatment methods.

Furthermore, a 1977 study (Alexander, Klein & Parsons, 1977) showed that younger siblings of adolescents with behavioral problems had a significantly lower likelihood of being arrested up to 3.5 years after completing FFT family treatment.

In the state of Ohio, a study showed that families in FFT programs experienced significant improvements compared to families in regular treatment programs regarding recidivism rates over an extended period. After 28 months, FFT families had an 11% recidivism rate, while families in regular treatment programs had a 67% recidivism rate. After 60 months, only 9% of youth in FFT programs had reoffended, compared to 41% of those in regular treatment.

In a Swedish study, with a two-year follow-up, FFT families showed improvements compared to a group receiving regular family treatment, in terms of recidivism to crime (41% vs. 82%). The same trend was observed over time in parents’ reports of externalizing and internalizing symptoms in the youth.

See more research results here.

FFT – an evidence-based method

Based on many years of research and testing of the FFT method, FFT can be certified as an evidence-based method. This means, among other things, that the method:

• Relies on research-based visitation criteria that define who benefits from the treatment
  Uses therapeutic methods where there is evidence that they work
• Is well described in its core components and methodological guidelines
• Can only be practiced by trained practitioners who receive ongoing supervision and consultation.
• Includes ongoing quality assurance with a focus on both the individual practitioner’s level of method fidelity and the treatment results.
• Is based on scientifically documented results from several randomized controlled studies that have also measured the long-term effects of the method.
• Builds on research studies that include measurements of methodological integrity while focusing on behavioral changes in young people.

Danish Evaluation of FFT

As part of the National Board of Health and Welfare’s focus on effective methods in the social area, VIVE (The National Research and Analysis Center for Welfare) has conducted a national evaluation of the Danish FFT Teams in the period 2015-2017. VIVE has published two reports in January 2018.

The first report contains treatment results and cost analysis of the FFT treatment. The evaluation shows that the young people undergo a significant positive development during the treatment period. An effect is seen on both internalizing and externalizing behavior in the young people, and also a reduction in the level of conflict in the families. After completing FFT treatment, all young people are outside the group considered to require treatment. The report concludes that the operating costs in a Danish context are realistic.
Read the full report at: http://www.sfi.dk/publikationer/adfaerdsaendringer-og-kommandistektning-ved-fft-13659/

VIVE’s second report deals with the implementation of FFT in Denmark, and includes experiences and recommendations.
Read the full report at: http://www.sfi.dk/publikationer/implementering-af-fft-i-danmark-13660/