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Prevention of familial transmission of depression: EFFEKT-E, a selective program for emotionally burdened families

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Abstract

Aim

Parental depression is a strong risk factor for depression in children and is associated with offspring’s behavioral problems. Therefore, prevention measures should aim to reduce the transmission of risk to children of depressed mothers. In this paper, description and evaluation results are reported for EFFEKT-E (Entwicklungsförderung in Familien: Eltern- und Kinder-Training in emotional belasteten Familien), a prevention program to be used in the setting of mother–child rehabilitation clinics. EFFEKT-E is a family-oriented program including parent training and social skills training for pre-school children.

Subjects and methods

The evaluation study contained 375 mothers and their children. The program was evaluated in a quasi-experimental pre-post-follow-up design using instruments on parenting behavior and children’s emotional and behavioral problems.

Results

Evaluation showed satisfying out reach and implementation of the program. Compared to a treatment-as-usual condition, EFFEKT-E children exhibited less emotional disruption and hyperactivity. Mother’s sense of parental competence was promoted, problematic parenting behavior decreased.

Conclusion

EFFEKT-E is an evidence-based selective program which has the potential to prevent intergenerational transmission of depression.

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Acknowledgements

The study was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. We wish to thank the Bundesverband Arbeiterwohlfahrt and clinic staff for their cooperation and mothers and children for study participation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Therapieforschung, München, Präventionsforschung, Parzivalstr. 25, 80804, München, Germany

    Anneke Bühler & Charlotte Kötter

  2. Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Bismarckstr. 1, 91054, Erlangen, Germany

    Stefanie Jaursch & Friedrich Lösel

  3. Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge, Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 9DT, UK

    Friedrich Lösel

Authors
  1. Anneke Bühler
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  2. Charlotte Kötter
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  3. Stefanie Jaursch
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  4. Friedrich Lösel
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Correspondence to Anneke Bühler.

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Bühler, A., Kötter, C., Jaursch, S. et al. Prevention of familial transmission of depression: EFFEKT-E, a selective program for emotionally burdened families. J Public Health 19, 321–327 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-011-0423-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-011-0423-5

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