Howard Liddle - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Howard Liddle

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of psychiatric comorbidity on treatment of adolescent drug abusers

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2004

Comorbidity of substance abuse disorders (SUD) and psychiatric disorders is one of the most impor... more Comorbidity of substance abuse disorders (SUD) and psychiatric disorders is one of the most important areas of investigation in contemporary drug abuse treatment research. This study examined the impact of psychiatric comorbidity on the treatment of 182 adolescent drug abusers in a randomized clinical trial comparing family and individual cognitive-behavioral therapy. Three distinct groups of adolescent substance abusers were compared: (1) Exclusive Substance Abusers (SUD only); (2) Externalizers (SUD + externalizing disorder); and (3) Mixed Substance Abusers (SUD + externalizing and internalizing disorder). The purpose of this study was to determine whether adolescents in these comorbid groups differed in clinical presentation and treatment response. More severe comorbidity was associated with greater family dysfunction and being female and younger at intake. An examination of substance use trajectories over time indicated that the Mixed group initially responded to treatment but returned to intake levels of substance use by 1 year post-discharge.

Research paper thumbnail of Transporting a research-based adolescent drug treatment into practice

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2002

This article describes the key ingredients and processes in transporting an empirically supported... more This article describes the key ingredients and processes in transporting an empirically supported, research-developed family therapy for adolescent drug abusers, Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), into an intensive day treatment program. Using the same systems change principles that guide this treatment approach, the technology transfer process has been, from its inception, a collaborative, multidimensional, systemic intervention aimed at changing organizational structures, and attitudinal and behavioral patterns with multiple staff members at several levels of the program. This article describes: (1) the conceptual and empirical basis for these technology transfer efforts; (2) the technology being adapted and transferred; and (3) the critical events and processes that have shaped the transfer of MDFT into this program. We discuss this process and the outcomes thus far through the lens of Simpson's organizational change model and specify the implications of this experience for the expansion of current conceptualization of technology transfer.

Research paper thumbnail of A Family-Based, Developmental-Ecological Preventive Intervention for High-Risk Adolescents

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Family-based prevention counseling for high-risk young adolescents: Immediate outcomes

Journal of Community Psychology, 2001

Family prevention counseling, which features customized prevention planning for individual famili... more Family prevention counseling, which features customized prevention planning for individual families, is a promising approach for preventive intervention with adolescents at high risk for substance abuse and conduct disorder. A randomized study (N ϭ 124) tested the post-intervention efficacy of an indicated, family-based prevention model with a sample of inner-city African-American youths (ages 11-14). Key risk and protective factors associated with the development of drug use and antisocial behavior were targeted in four domains: self-competence, family functioning, school involvement, and peer associations. Compared to controls, participants in family prevention counseling showed gains in global self-worth, family cohesion, and bonding to school, and a decrease

Research paper thumbnail of The handbook of systemic family therapy: The profession of systemic family therapyKaren S.WamplerRichard B.MillerRyan B.SeedallHoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2020, 1–771 pp. ISBN: 978‐1‐119‐78837‐9

Journal of Family Therapy, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Development and evolution of an evidence-based practice: multidimensional family therapy as treatment system

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment adherence process research in family therapy: A rationale and some practical guidelines

Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 1996

Treatment adherence research has recently established a permanent niche in psychotherapy outcome ... more Treatment adherence research has recently established a permanent niche in psychotherapy outcome research as a means for testing whether interventions have been implemented as intended. Advanced-level adherence methods allow investigators to move beyond treatment integrity questions regarding model fidelity and toward treatment process questions regarding therapeutic technique and intervention dosage. Though still in the developmental stage, treatment adherence process procedures appear to be congruent with the methods, goals, and theoretical framework that characterize contemporary psychotherapy process research. Because adherence process research is Preparation of this article was supported by grants to Howard A. liddle from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (Grant Nos. P50-DAO7697 and T32-DAO7297) and was completed in conjunction with a NIDA-sponsored postdoctoral fellowship awarded to the first author.

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of psychiatric comorbidity on treatment of adolescent drug abusers

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2004

Comorbidity of substance abuse disorders (SUD) and psychiatric disorders is one of the most impor... more Comorbidity of substance abuse disorders (SUD) and psychiatric disorders is one of the most important areas of investigation in contemporary drug abuse treatment research. This study examined the impact of psychiatric comorbidity on the treatment of 182 adolescent drug abusers in a randomized clinical trial comparing family and individual cognitive-behavioral therapy. Three distinct groups of adolescent substance abusers were compared: (1) Exclusive Substance Abusers (SUD only); (2) Externalizers (SUD + externalizing disorder); and (3) Mixed Substance Abusers (SUD + externalizing and internalizing disorder). The purpose of this study was to determine whether adolescents in these comorbid groups differed in clinical presentation and treatment response. More severe comorbidity was associated with greater family dysfunction and being female and younger at intake. An examination of substance use trajectories over time indicated that the Mixed group initially responded to treatment but returned to intake levels of substance use by 1 year post-discharge.

Research paper thumbnail of Transporting a research-based adolescent drug treatment into practice

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2002

This article describes the key ingredients and processes in transporting an empirically supported... more This article describes the key ingredients and processes in transporting an empirically supported, research-developed family therapy for adolescent drug abusers, Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), into an intensive day treatment program. Using the same systems change principles that guide this treatment approach, the technology transfer process has been, from its inception, a collaborative, multidimensional, systemic intervention aimed at changing organizational structures, and attitudinal and behavioral patterns with multiple staff members at several levels of the program. This article describes: (1) the conceptual and empirical basis for these technology transfer efforts; (2) the technology being adapted and transferred; and (3) the critical events and processes that have shaped the transfer of MDFT into this program. We discuss this process and the outcomes thus far through the lens of Simpson's organizational change model and specify the implications of this experience for the expansion of current conceptualization of technology transfer.

Research paper thumbnail of A Family-Based, Developmental-Ecological Preventive Intervention for High-Risk Adolescents

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Family-based prevention counseling for high-risk young adolescents: Immediate outcomes

Journal of Community Psychology, 2001

Family prevention counseling, which features customized prevention planning for individual famili... more Family prevention counseling, which features customized prevention planning for individual families, is a promising approach for preventive intervention with adolescents at high risk for substance abuse and conduct disorder. A randomized study (N ϭ 124) tested the post-intervention efficacy of an indicated, family-based prevention model with a sample of inner-city African-American youths (ages 11-14). Key risk and protective factors associated with the development of drug use and antisocial behavior were targeted in four domains: self-competence, family functioning, school involvement, and peer associations. Compared to controls, participants in family prevention counseling showed gains in global self-worth, family cohesion, and bonding to school, and a decrease

Research paper thumbnail of Classifying Clinically Referred Adolescent Substance Abusers by Level of Externalizing and Internalizing Symptoms

Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 2001

Adolescent substance abusers demonstrate numerous emotional and behavioral difficulties in conjun... more Adolescent substance abusers demonstrate numerous emotional and behavioral difficulties in conjunction with drug problems. In this study, 236 clinically referred substance abusing adolescents were grouped on level of self-reported and parent-reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms and compared on important variables. Three groups emerged: Externalizers, Exclusive Substance Abusers, and Mixed (adolescents with both internalizing and externalizing symptoms). Exclusive Substance Abusers showed a general pattern of more positive functioning than adolescents in the other groups. This study reveals that clinically referred adolescent substance abusers can be meaningfully distinguished on levels of externalizing and internal

Research paper thumbnail of Classifying Clinically Referred Adolescent Substance Abusers by Level of Externalizing and Internalizing Symptoms

Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 2001

Adolescent substance abusers demonstrate numerous emotional and behavioral difficulties in conjun... more Adolescent substance abusers demonstrate numerous emotional and behavioral difficulties in conjunction with drug problems. In this study, 236 clinically referred substance abusing adolescents were grouped on level of self-reported and parent-reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms and compared on important variables. Three groups emerged: Externalizers, Exclusive Substance Abusers, and Mixed (adolescents with both internalizing and externalizing symptoms). Exclusive Substance Abusers showed a general pattern of more positive functioning than adolescents in the other groups. This study reveals that clinically referred adolescent substance abusers can be meaningfully distinguished on levels of externalizing and internal

Research paper thumbnail of Transforming Negative Parent-Adolescent Interactions: From Impasse to Dialogue

Research paper thumbnail of Intra-and interpersonal process in the group supervision of family therapists

Family Therapy, 1978

1. Discusses outcomes of a specific model of group supervision and details some of the effects of... more 1. Discusses outcomes of a specific model of group supervision and details some of the effects of this training on 10 doctoral level trainees. The model of supervision involved (a) live observation of family therapy sessions by the student group and the supervisor, and (b) post-session group discussion of therapy techniques and family interactions. The practicum experience resulted in development of therapeutic skills and in growth of the trainee/therapist as a person.(6 ref)(PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights ...

Research paper thumbnail of Family therapy for early adolescent substance abuse

Adolescent substance abuse treatment in the United States: Exemplary models from a national evaluation study, 2003

... by a lack of warmth, involvement, and structure tend to promote apathy, lack of direction, an... more ... by a lack of warmth, involvement, and structure tend to promote apathy, lack of direction, and low self-efficacy (Adams, Dyk, and Bennion, 1987 ... The therapist learns that as an older peer, Trent has been part of the socialization process contributing to Mark's drug use, delinquency ...

Research paper thumbnail of Training and supervision in family therapy: A comprehensive and critical analysis

1. this chapter is a comprehensive critical analysis of the family-therapy training and supervisi... more 1. this chapter is a comprehensive critical analysis of the family-therapy training and supervision literature/considers these developments to arrive at a contemporary assessment of family-therapy training and supervision (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

Research paper thumbnail of Searching for change mechanisms in emotion-focused work with adolescents and parents: An example from multidimensional family therapy

Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 2020

Disconnection and disengagement are frequent characteristics of interactions between parents and ... more Disconnection and disengagement are frequent characteristics of interactions between parents and adolescents who present with substance use disorders. Excessive blame, defensiveness, and recrimination characterize day-to-day interactions within these families. Developmental psychopathology research reveals both shortand long-term effects of negative emotional patterns between parents and adolescents on the young person’s development, as well as on the parents’ functioning and their parenting practices in particular. Persistent expression and experience of negative emotions are also associated with poor treatment outcome, as they act as barriers to treatment engagement and change. This article demonstrates how research-based knowledge can guide therapeutic strategy and how emotions can be transformed in an empirically supported, family-based treatment: multidimensional family therapy. Transcripts with commentary from an adolescent, a parent, and from family therapy sessions illustrate emotion-related interactional transactions and interventions.

Research paper thumbnail of Linking parental mediation practices to adolescents’ problematic online screen use: A systematic literature review

Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 2019

Background and aims To remedy problematic Internet use (PIU) and problematic online gaming (POG) ... more Background and aims To remedy problematic Internet use (PIU) and problematic online gaming (POG) in adolescents, much is expected from efforts by parents to help youths to contain their screen use. Such parental mediation can include (a) refraining from acting, (b) co-viewing or co-gaming with the teen, (c) active mediation, and (d) restrictive mediation. We evaluated if parental mediation practices are linked to PIU and POG in adolescents. Methods For a systematic literature review, we searched for publications presenting survey data and relating parental mediation practices to levels of PIU and/or POG in adolescents. The review’s selection criteria were met by 18 PIU and 9 POG publications, reporting on 81.002 and 12.915 adolescents, respectively. We extracted data on gaming problems, mediation interventions, study design features, and sample characteristics. Results No type of parental mediation was consistently associated with lower or elevated problematic screen use rates in th...

Research paper thumbnail of Why and how to include parents in the treatment of adolescents presenting Internet gaming disorder?

Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 2019

Background and aims Clinicians and researchers are increasingly interested in investigating exces... more Background and aims Clinicians and researchers are increasingly interested in investigating excessive use of video gaming recently named Internet gaming disorder (IGD). As is the case with extensively researched adolescent problem behaviors such as substance use disorder, several studies associate IGD with the young person’s family environment and the parent–adolescent relationship in particular. Evidence-based treatments for a range of adolescent clinical problems including behavioral addictions demonstrate efficacy, the capacity for transdiagnostic adaptation, and lasting impact. However, less attention has been paid to developing and testing science-based interventions for IGD, and at present most tested interventions for IGD have been individual treatments (cognitive behavioral therapy). Methods This article presents the rationale for a systemic conceptualization of IGD and a therapeutic approach that targets multiple units or subsystems. The IGD treatment program is based on th...

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of psychiatric comorbidity on treatment of adolescent drug abusers

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2004

Comorbidity of substance abuse disorders (SUD) and psychiatric disorders is one of the most impor... more Comorbidity of substance abuse disorders (SUD) and psychiatric disorders is one of the most important areas of investigation in contemporary drug abuse treatment research. This study examined the impact of psychiatric comorbidity on the treatment of 182 adolescent drug abusers in a randomized clinical trial comparing family and individual cognitive-behavioral therapy. Three distinct groups of adolescent substance abusers were compared: (1) Exclusive Substance Abusers (SUD only); (2) Externalizers (SUD + externalizing disorder); and (3) Mixed Substance Abusers (SUD + externalizing and internalizing disorder). The purpose of this study was to determine whether adolescents in these comorbid groups differed in clinical presentation and treatment response. More severe comorbidity was associated with greater family dysfunction and being female and younger at intake. An examination of substance use trajectories over time indicated that the Mixed group initially responded to treatment but returned to intake levels of substance use by 1 year post-discharge.

Research paper thumbnail of Transporting a research-based adolescent drug treatment into practice

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2002

This article describes the key ingredients and processes in transporting an empirically supported... more This article describes the key ingredients and processes in transporting an empirically supported, research-developed family therapy for adolescent drug abusers, Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), into an intensive day treatment program. Using the same systems change principles that guide this treatment approach, the technology transfer process has been, from its inception, a collaborative, multidimensional, systemic intervention aimed at changing organizational structures, and attitudinal and behavioral patterns with multiple staff members at several levels of the program. This article describes: (1) the conceptual and empirical basis for these technology transfer efforts; (2) the technology being adapted and transferred; and (3) the critical events and processes that have shaped the transfer of MDFT into this program. We discuss this process and the outcomes thus far through the lens of Simpson's organizational change model and specify the implications of this experience for the expansion of current conceptualization of technology transfer.

Research paper thumbnail of A Family-Based, Developmental-Ecological Preventive Intervention for High-Risk Adolescents

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Family-based prevention counseling for high-risk young adolescents: Immediate outcomes

Journal of Community Psychology, 2001

Family prevention counseling, which features customized prevention planning for individual famili... more Family prevention counseling, which features customized prevention planning for individual families, is a promising approach for preventive intervention with adolescents at high risk for substance abuse and conduct disorder. A randomized study (N ϭ 124) tested the post-intervention efficacy of an indicated, family-based prevention model with a sample of inner-city African-American youths (ages 11-14). Key risk and protective factors associated with the development of drug use and antisocial behavior were targeted in four domains: self-competence, family functioning, school involvement, and peer associations. Compared to controls, participants in family prevention counseling showed gains in global self-worth, family cohesion, and bonding to school, and a decrease

Research paper thumbnail of The handbook of systemic family therapy: The profession of systemic family therapyKaren S.WamplerRichard B.MillerRyan B.SeedallHoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2020, 1–771 pp. ISBN: 978‐1‐119‐78837‐9

Journal of Family Therapy, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Development and evolution of an evidence-based practice: multidimensional family therapy as treatment system

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment adherence process research in family therapy: A rationale and some practical guidelines

Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 1996

Treatment adherence research has recently established a permanent niche in psychotherapy outcome ... more Treatment adherence research has recently established a permanent niche in psychotherapy outcome research as a means for testing whether interventions have been implemented as intended. Advanced-level adherence methods allow investigators to move beyond treatment integrity questions regarding model fidelity and toward treatment process questions regarding therapeutic technique and intervention dosage. Though still in the developmental stage, treatment adherence process procedures appear to be congruent with the methods, goals, and theoretical framework that characterize contemporary psychotherapy process research. Because adherence process research is Preparation of this article was supported by grants to Howard A. liddle from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (Grant Nos. P50-DAO7697 and T32-DAO7297) and was completed in conjunction with a NIDA-sponsored postdoctoral fellowship awarded to the first author.

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of psychiatric comorbidity on treatment of adolescent drug abusers

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2004

Comorbidity of substance abuse disorders (SUD) and psychiatric disorders is one of the most impor... more Comorbidity of substance abuse disorders (SUD) and psychiatric disorders is one of the most important areas of investigation in contemporary drug abuse treatment research. This study examined the impact of psychiatric comorbidity on the treatment of 182 adolescent drug abusers in a randomized clinical trial comparing family and individual cognitive-behavioral therapy. Three distinct groups of adolescent substance abusers were compared: (1) Exclusive Substance Abusers (SUD only); (2) Externalizers (SUD + externalizing disorder); and (3) Mixed Substance Abusers (SUD + externalizing and internalizing disorder). The purpose of this study was to determine whether adolescents in these comorbid groups differed in clinical presentation and treatment response. More severe comorbidity was associated with greater family dysfunction and being female and younger at intake. An examination of substance use trajectories over time indicated that the Mixed group initially responded to treatment but returned to intake levels of substance use by 1 year post-discharge.

Research paper thumbnail of Transporting a research-based adolescent drug treatment into practice

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2002

This article describes the key ingredients and processes in transporting an empirically supported... more This article describes the key ingredients and processes in transporting an empirically supported, research-developed family therapy for adolescent drug abusers, Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), into an intensive day treatment program. Using the same systems change principles that guide this treatment approach, the technology transfer process has been, from its inception, a collaborative, multidimensional, systemic intervention aimed at changing organizational structures, and attitudinal and behavioral patterns with multiple staff members at several levels of the program. This article describes: (1) the conceptual and empirical basis for these technology transfer efforts; (2) the technology being adapted and transferred; and (3) the critical events and processes that have shaped the transfer of MDFT into this program. We discuss this process and the outcomes thus far through the lens of Simpson's organizational change model and specify the implications of this experience for the expansion of current conceptualization of technology transfer.

Research paper thumbnail of A Family-Based, Developmental-Ecological Preventive Intervention for High-Risk Adolescents

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Family-based prevention counseling for high-risk young adolescents: Immediate outcomes

Journal of Community Psychology, 2001

Family prevention counseling, which features customized prevention planning for individual famili... more Family prevention counseling, which features customized prevention planning for individual families, is a promising approach for preventive intervention with adolescents at high risk for substance abuse and conduct disorder. A randomized study (N ϭ 124) tested the post-intervention efficacy of an indicated, family-based prevention model with a sample of inner-city African-American youths (ages 11-14). Key risk and protective factors associated with the development of drug use and antisocial behavior were targeted in four domains: self-competence, family functioning, school involvement, and peer associations. Compared to controls, participants in family prevention counseling showed gains in global self-worth, family cohesion, and bonding to school, and a decrease

Research paper thumbnail of Classifying Clinically Referred Adolescent Substance Abusers by Level of Externalizing and Internalizing Symptoms

Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 2001

Adolescent substance abusers demonstrate numerous emotional and behavioral difficulties in conjun... more Adolescent substance abusers demonstrate numerous emotional and behavioral difficulties in conjunction with drug problems. In this study, 236 clinically referred substance abusing adolescents were grouped on level of self-reported and parent-reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms and compared on important variables. Three groups emerged: Externalizers, Exclusive Substance Abusers, and Mixed (adolescents with both internalizing and externalizing symptoms). Exclusive Substance Abusers showed a general pattern of more positive functioning than adolescents in the other groups. This study reveals that clinically referred adolescent substance abusers can be meaningfully distinguished on levels of externalizing and internal

Research paper thumbnail of Classifying Clinically Referred Adolescent Substance Abusers by Level of Externalizing and Internalizing Symptoms

Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 2001

Adolescent substance abusers demonstrate numerous emotional and behavioral difficulties in conjun... more Adolescent substance abusers demonstrate numerous emotional and behavioral difficulties in conjunction with drug problems. In this study, 236 clinically referred substance abusing adolescents were grouped on level of self-reported and parent-reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms and compared on important variables. Three groups emerged: Externalizers, Exclusive Substance Abusers, and Mixed (adolescents with both internalizing and externalizing symptoms). Exclusive Substance Abusers showed a general pattern of more positive functioning than adolescents in the other groups. This study reveals that clinically referred adolescent substance abusers can be meaningfully distinguished on levels of externalizing and internal

Research paper thumbnail of Transforming Negative Parent-Adolescent Interactions: From Impasse to Dialogue

Research paper thumbnail of Intra-and interpersonal process in the group supervision of family therapists

Family Therapy, 1978

1. Discusses outcomes of a specific model of group supervision and details some of the effects of... more 1. Discusses outcomes of a specific model of group supervision and details some of the effects of this training on 10 doctoral level trainees. The model of supervision involved (a) live observation of family therapy sessions by the student group and the supervisor, and (b) post-session group discussion of therapy techniques and family interactions. The practicum experience resulted in development of therapeutic skills and in growth of the trainee/therapist as a person.(6 ref)(PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights ...

Research paper thumbnail of Family therapy for early adolescent substance abuse

Adolescent substance abuse treatment in the United States: Exemplary models from a national evaluation study, 2003

... by a lack of warmth, involvement, and structure tend to promote apathy, lack of direction, an... more ... by a lack of warmth, involvement, and structure tend to promote apathy, lack of direction, and low self-efficacy (Adams, Dyk, and Bennion, 1987 ... The therapist learns that as an older peer, Trent has been part of the socialization process contributing to Mark's drug use, delinquency ...

Research paper thumbnail of Training and supervision in family therapy: A comprehensive and critical analysis

1. this chapter is a comprehensive critical analysis of the family-therapy training and supervisi... more 1. this chapter is a comprehensive critical analysis of the family-therapy training and supervision literature/considers these developments to arrive at a contemporary assessment of family-therapy training and supervision (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

Research paper thumbnail of Searching for change mechanisms in emotion-focused work with adolescents and parents: An example from multidimensional family therapy

Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 2020

Disconnection and disengagement are frequent characteristics of interactions between parents and ... more Disconnection and disengagement are frequent characteristics of interactions between parents and adolescents who present with substance use disorders. Excessive blame, defensiveness, and recrimination characterize day-to-day interactions within these families. Developmental psychopathology research reveals both shortand long-term effects of negative emotional patterns between parents and adolescents on the young person’s development, as well as on the parents’ functioning and their parenting practices in particular. Persistent expression and experience of negative emotions are also associated with poor treatment outcome, as they act as barriers to treatment engagement and change. This article demonstrates how research-based knowledge can guide therapeutic strategy and how emotions can be transformed in an empirically supported, family-based treatment: multidimensional family therapy. Transcripts with commentary from an adolescent, a parent, and from family therapy sessions illustrate emotion-related interactional transactions and interventions.

Research paper thumbnail of Linking parental mediation practices to adolescents’ problematic online screen use: A systematic literature review

Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 2019

Background and aims To remedy problematic Internet use (PIU) and problematic online gaming (POG) ... more Background and aims To remedy problematic Internet use (PIU) and problematic online gaming (POG) in adolescents, much is expected from efforts by parents to help youths to contain their screen use. Such parental mediation can include (a) refraining from acting, (b) co-viewing or co-gaming with the teen, (c) active mediation, and (d) restrictive mediation. We evaluated if parental mediation practices are linked to PIU and POG in adolescents. Methods For a systematic literature review, we searched for publications presenting survey data and relating parental mediation practices to levels of PIU and/or POG in adolescents. The review’s selection criteria were met by 18 PIU and 9 POG publications, reporting on 81.002 and 12.915 adolescents, respectively. We extracted data on gaming problems, mediation interventions, study design features, and sample characteristics. Results No type of parental mediation was consistently associated with lower or elevated problematic screen use rates in th...

Research paper thumbnail of Why and how to include parents in the treatment of adolescents presenting Internet gaming disorder?

Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 2019

Background and aims Clinicians and researchers are increasingly interested in investigating exces... more Background and aims Clinicians and researchers are increasingly interested in investigating excessive use of video gaming recently named Internet gaming disorder (IGD). As is the case with extensively researched adolescent problem behaviors such as substance use disorder, several studies associate IGD with the young person’s family environment and the parent–adolescent relationship in particular. Evidence-based treatments for a range of adolescent clinical problems including behavioral addictions demonstrate efficacy, the capacity for transdiagnostic adaptation, and lasting impact. However, less attention has been paid to developing and testing science-based interventions for IGD, and at present most tested interventions for IGD have been individual treatments (cognitive behavioral therapy). Methods This article presents the rationale for a systemic conceptualization of IGD and a therapeutic approach that targets multiple units or subsystems. The IGD treatment program is based on th...