Assessing the Impact of a Family-Based Intervention Program on Family Dynamics: A Pilot Study in the Context of Indicated Substance Abuse Prevention

Abstract

Literature has consistently linked family elements as risk and/or protective factors in adolescence. Consequently, numerous family-focused prevention programs have been developed. In the context of selective and indicated prevention, the most structured actions take place within the municipal services. However, studies demonstrating the effectiveness of these interventions are scarce. Our aim was to explore the effectiveness of the Brief Intervention Program for addiction prevention in the family context (IBAF) to improve family protective dynamics. We used a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design. The final sample consisted of 136 cases and 191 family members (64.9% women and 35.1% men). The dimensions of family functioning were measured with the self-reported Madrid Family Functioning scale. Results indicated a statistically significant increase post-intervention in family climate, family consensus, setting of rules and boundaries, coping patterns, and improvement in stress/anxiety. There were no significant differences based on the sex of the family members. The IBAF program shows promise in addressing the demand for structured interventions in family indicated prevention. Future research could build on these preliminary findings by testing the efficacy of the intervention using rigorous methodologies.