1 research outputs found
The relationship between general psychopathology in young people with family functioning and engagement with psychotherapy
Objective to examine whether an underlying general psychopathology factor (p factor) existed in children and adolescents
attending psychodynamic psychotherapy and whether this general psychopathology factor was associated with family
functioning and engagement with psychotherapy.
Method Participants were 1976 children and adolescents, and their families, who sought psychodynamic psychotherapy
from a community-based clinic in Southern Brazil. The Child Behavior Checklist and the Family Adaptability and
Cohesion Evaluation Scales for assessing symptoms and family functioning were used, with treatment engagement data
available through linked records. Confirmatory factor analytic methods examined psychopathology and regression models
were constructed to examine associations.
Results A general psychopathology factor and specific internalizing and externalizing factors were identified. Higher general
psychopathology scores at assessment were associated with an increased likelihood of dropout and poorer attendance
compared to completing treatment. Father’s educational level, living with both parents, lack of family adaptability and
cohesion, and maltreatment experience were related to increased p factor severity.
Conclusion General psychopathology severity seems to contribute to child and adolescent psychotherapy outcomes,
increasing the risk of non-adherence and dropout. Family difficulties and traumatic experiences may increase p factor
severity. Identifying general psychopathology routinely can be crucial for developing effective treatment plans