Joan Amer

The Strengthening Families Programme in Spain: a long-term evaluation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to first assess the long-term effects of the adaptation of the American Strengthening Families Programme in Spain (known as the Programa de Competencia Familiar, translated into English as the Family Competence Programme (FCP)). The second aim is to identify family typologies and family changes regarding family competence over time. The paper’s initial hypothesis is that families have different behaviours and take advantage of the FCP in different ways. Design/methodology/approach – Monitored applications of the FCP were conducted using a quasi-experimental design consisting of a control group and pre-test, post-test and two-year follow-up assessments. The sample was made up of 136 families who took part in the programme and another 18 who participated in the control groups. Validated instruments were applied to assess the methodological processes and the family assessments. A cluster analysis was undertaken to identify different family typologies and their evolution...

Assessing the Role of Facilitators in Evidence-Based Family-Centric Prevention Programs via Delphi Technique

In the research about evidence-based, family-centric prevention programs, there are several bibliographies related to program contents and family results. Yet, less information is found about program facilitators, who are key to effective implementation and delivery of these programs. To identify the principal qualities that define a good facilitator, as well as the best methodologies for assessing the facilitators’ work, a consensus-building process between 16 experts—the Delphi technique—was employed. The Delphi approach included a baseline document and a questionnaire about facilitators and evaluation methodologies for assessing their role in family-centric prevention programs. The studys participants (a) highly ranked the importance of a facilitators interpersonal skills and experience in family interventions and (b) suggested that facilitators are best assessed using qualitative techniques such as observation and focus groups.

Sharing Intergenerational Relationships in Educational Contexts: The Experience of an International Program in Three Countries (Spain, Poland and Turkey)

ABSTRACT Schools are settings where intergenerational relationships can be forged in their capacity as microcosms or small communities through cooperative approaches and meaningful learning. This paper outlines the main practical, policy-related, and research implications of intergenerational education programs, based on the experience of the European SACHI (“Sharing Childhood”) project. From the resulting guide to good practices that was drawn up, the generation of synergies should be highlighted as a means of bringing about changes in relationships as opposed to just attitudes. The importance is also raised of a rigorous assessment process.

An analysis of family dynamics: a selective substance abuse prevention programme for adolescents

ABSTRACT Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable time in terms of the possible onset of drug abuse, with an increased risk in the case of minors from socially disadvantaged families. Selective family-based drug prevention programmes seek to empower families by providing the necessary tools and skills for parents to manage relations with their adolescent children. The aim of this study was to analyse the resulting dynamics of 69 vulnerable families who completed a Family Competence Programme (FCP) for adolescents aged between 12 and 16. For this purpose, a k-means cluster analysis was conducted, leading to the identification of four clusters characterised by different types of family dynamics, based on the scores of the KK-Children Questionnaire and BASC (Behaviour Assessment System for Children). Each cluster was named accordingly: improvable skills, poor organisation, poor communication, and competent. From the analysis, it can be concluded that the observed differences in family dynamics are not dependent on the families’ level of vulnerability or structure, but rather on their acquired skills. In conclusion, the profiles and family dynamics of families at risk with access to programmes like the FCP are dependent on their parental and family skills.

Gender and Attitude Change in Drug Abuse. Effects of the Family Competence Program with Adolescents (12-14 years)

Attitudes towards drug abuse are relevant to understand real abuse. Furthermore, explanations by gender should be also incorporated. In the current study, it is analyzed the attitudinal change in the longterm after participating in an evidence-based family prevention program, the Family Competence Program (FCP). With a population sample of Carmen Orte, Lluís Ballester, Joan Amer, Et al. | Universitas Psychologica | V. 16 | No. 4 | 2017 | 2 78 adolescents that have participated in the program, and a control group, it is measured the evolution of the attitudes towards consumption using the Drugs Attitudes Questionnaire, validated questionnaire and used as a reference by the Spanish National Plan Against Drugs. Three measurement processes are undertaken, differentiated by gender: at the beginning of the FCP application, at the end of the application (Post 1) and a 24-month follow-up (Post 2). Main results indicate that significant differences are achieved in availability for consumption and in wrong beliefs, at the end of the program, but not in the long term, both in girls and boys. Regarding protective beliefs, these are consistent along time in both genders.

Training of practitioners and beliefs about family skills in family-based prevention programmes

ABSTRACT To ensure close adherence to the contents of a family-based cognitive-behavioural programme, and maintain a high standard of quality in its implementation, it is important that practitioners’ attitudes and beliefs regarding family skills coincide with those of the programme. This paper describes and analyses (observed) potential changes in these beliefs, after training courses held prior to the application of a prevention programme for families: the Family Competence Programme. A questionnaire was devised to examine practitioners’ beliefs regarding family skills; and completed both before and after the training course. The results point to significant changes in family dynamics, realistic expectations and active listening. Thus, it can be demonstrated that preliminary training courses promote practitioner attitudes and beliefs which are more coherent with a subsequent programme’s approach.