Date
4-2010
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Chair
Kathie Morgan
Primary Subject Area
Psychology, General; Health Sciences, Mental Health; Psychology, Clinical
Recommended Citation
Sparks, Cathy Ford, "Filial Therapy with Adolescent Parents: The Effect on Parental Empathy, Acceptance and Stress" (2010). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 338.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/338
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of filial therapy training on adolescent parents' parental empathy, acceptance, and stress, and attainment of educational goals. It used a quasi-experimental, non-randomized sample drawn from three different high schools, pretest/posttest design, to measure the effectiveness of filial therapy. Each parent completed a ten week training period using either a filial therapy model or a typical parenting education model. Data included pretest and posttest questionnaires and videotaped sessions of play with their child. Statistical analyses showed a significant difference in seven of the thirteen areas. Parents in the filial therapy group showed significant increases in empathy and acceptance of their child. Decreases in stress were not statistically significant. Both experimental and control groups showed evidence that providing programs that support adolescent mothers in the school setting increases the chances that they will remain in school. Suggestions for further research are also included.
