Parental experience in multi-family therapy for Chinese families of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Exploring the role of mutual aid

Notwithstanding that substantial studies have demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of Multi-Family Therapy (MFT) for treating families of children with psychiatric problems; only limited information is currently available regarding the capture of its change mechanism. This paper aims to discuss the role of mutual aid in facilitating the creation of the therapeutic group context that mobilizes changes in family relationships among Chinese families of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Qualitative in nature, this study explored the treatment experiences of Chinese parents of children with ADHD (25 families including 15 fathers and 24 mothers) who participated in MFT together with their school-age children. The results of a thematic analysis revealed the existence of specific therapeutic factors with regard to the dynamic of mutual aid that enhanced the group cohesion, hope and the therapeutic factors of MFT, including the observational experiences and discoveries. Following their perception of these helpful aspects of MFT, the parents reported two aspects in which changes were stimulated, i.e. perceptual shifts in their understanding of ADHD and family situations, and the expansion of problem resolution options. Limitations of this study and recommendations for future studies are discussed. Copyright © 2018 Korean Association of Family Therapy.