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Investigating Family Therapy with Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods in Adolescent Residential Treatment Programs

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Family Therapy with Adolescents in Residential Treatment

Part of the book series: Focused Issues in Family Therapy ((FIFT))

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Abstract

Research concerning outcomes for adolescents in residential setting has consistently shown that family involvement is an important part of effective treatment. Nevertheless, most of the research that has been done on this topic is focused on outcomes and does not sufficiently focus on the process of family therapy in these settings, nor does the available research consider the cost of the treatment. The lack of cost-effectiveness research in this area of study leaves the field open to criticism that the outcomes do not justify the costs . In order to strengthen the role of family therapy in residential settings for adolescents more research is needed to address these gaps. This chapter discusses how qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods can be used to advance family therapy research in such settings. Furthermore, examples are provided of research questions that could be answered using these methods, as well as examples of different studies that could be conducted to deepen the understanding of the role of family therapy in positive outcomes with this population.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

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

    Jacob D. Christenson

  2. Couple and Family Therapy, University of Iowa, N310 Lindquist Center, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA

    Dumayi M. Gutierrez

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

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Mount Mercy University , Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA

    Jacob D. Christenson

  2. Mount Mercy University, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA

    Ashley N. Merritts

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Christenson, J.D., Gutierrez, D.M. (2017). Investigating Family Therapy with Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods in Adolescent Residential Treatment Programs. In: Christenson, J., Merritts, A. (eds) Family Therapy with Adolescents in Residential Treatment. Focused Issues in Family Therapy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-51747-6_20

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