Do Personality Changes Occur in Parents Receiving Behavioral Family Therapy?

The present outcome study is a preliminary report on whether personality changes occur in parents receiving behavioral family therapy. Behavioral techniques for changing the identified patient's presenting problem were taught to the parents and each family member was given a weekly behavioral homework assignment intended to change the dysfunctional interactions assessed in the family.
An analysis of pre and post measures using Cattell's 16PF questionnaire showed a significant decrease in the parent's self-sufficiency index, indicating increased group dependence. The mean number of sessions was 12.6. The results of this study raise questions about the nature of the personality changes occurring in family therapy of this type. Family therapists, often-times assuming the role of the "expert" for the family, may be unwittingly fostering group dependence and losses in confidence for parents receiving such family guidance.