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Using Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Research to Promote Family Therapy with Adolescents in Residential Settings

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Abstract

For some time, the incorporation of family therapy in adolescent residential settings has been found to be related to improved outcomes. Nevertheless, there is an insufficient amount of research focusing specifically on the family therapy realm of residential treatment for adolescents. In an effort to address the problem of limited research within the field, this paper provides descriptions of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods that can be used in these settings. This paper takes the position that a scientist-practitioner approach may be most useful for expanding the literature on the subject. Furthermore, research questions that could be addressed are outlined, and studies that could be conducted to strengthen the place of family therapy in adolescent residential treatment are described. One of the difficulties associated with conducting such research is the diverse types of programs available. This paper offers a common language that can be used to describe each of the different types of settings. Throughout the paper, these descriptions facilitate the depiction of how research methods can be applied.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Marriage and Family Therapy, Mount Mercy University, 1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402, USA

    Jacob D. Christenson & Dumayi M. Gutierrez

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  1. Jacob D. Christenson
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  2. Dumayi M. Gutierrez
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Correspondence to Jacob D. Christenson.

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Christenson, J.D., Gutierrez, D.M. Using Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Research to Promote Family Therapy with Adolescents in Residential Settings. Contemp Fam Ther 38, 52–61 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-016-9374-x

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