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The role of cultural factors in engagement and change in Multisystemic Therapy (MST)
Author(s) -
Fox Simone,
Bibi Fatima,
Millar Hayleigh,
Holland Amaryllis
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1467-6427
pISSN - 0163-4445
DOI - 10.1111/1467-6427.12134
Subject(s) - ethnic group , psychology , cultural sensitivity , cultural diversity , ethnically diverse , constructivist grounded theory , culturally sensitive , grounded theory , qualitative research , process (computing) , cultural issues , developmental psychology , psychotherapist , social psychology , sociology , social science , anthropology , computer science , operating system
Evidence has shown that Multisystemic Therapy (MST) has been particularly effective in the treatment of youth with antisocial behaviour from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Although the process of change within MST has been explored, there is a dearth of research in looking at this for families from ethnic minority backgrounds. This qualitative study aimed to explore ethnic minority caregiver experiences of MST and understand how this might impact on engagement, the presenting problems and the process of change. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with seven ethnic minority caregivers who had completed treatment. A constructivist version of grounded theory was used to analyse the data. Specific cultural theoretical codes that emerged were around the consideration of cultural difference in terms of the engagement process, the conceptualisation of difficulties and the therapist acting as cultural broker in the process of change. This research integrates culturally specific ideas into the existing MST Analytical Process. Practitioner points Being culturally understood, cultural sensitivity and respecting difference can help engagement with ethnic minority caregivers The role of culture may be important to consider in the conceptualisation of difficulties For change to occur therapists may need to act as cultural brokers