Abstract
The quality of parent-child relationships during adolescence has the potential to impact adolescents’ mental health. The current study explored how seven young people (11-15 years old) might experience a two-component intervention (Method of Levels therapy-MOL and a parent-child activity). Young people chose how often to engage in the intervention during a four-month period. On completion, six participants were interviewed. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes were generated: 1) Shared Goals and MOL (subthemes relevant to both Shared Goals and MOL); 2) Shared Goals (elements relevant to the Shared Goals activity only); and 3) MOL- (one subtheme representative of MOL only). The most helpful aspect of the two-component intervention both for young people and their parents was the opportunity to talk. The intervention facilitated helpful conversations that increased participants awareness and broadened their perspective on the topics discussed. This process helped participants find solutions to their problems. Young people and parents reported that through the use of the Shared Goals activity their communication and relationships improved. Young people stated that MOL offered them the opportunity to figure things out for themselves.
Original language | English |
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Journal | British Journal of Guidance and Counselling |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 17 Dec 2020 |
Keywords
- parent-child relationship,
- counselling
- communication
- Perceptual Control Theory
- Method of Levels