Sustaining change following multisystemic therapy: caregiver's perspectives

Multisystemic therapy (MST) is an empirically supported intervention for young people presenting with antisocial behaviour. This study explored the process of sustaining positive change following MST from caregiver perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were carried out five to 21 months post MST with 12 caregivers. Grounded theory methodology was used to analyse the data. Caregivers in this study identified the following themes as contributing to sustaining change; improvements in their relationship with their child, shifting how they viewed difficulties and solutions and feeling personally strengthened and resilient. The therapeutic alliance in MST was described as important in initiating these changes. Clinical implications and how caregiver perspectives from this study fit within the existing model of change in MST are discussed.