Voorbeeldvragen interventies – Radboud Universiteit
Nijmegen
Question 1: Explain the intervention, the theoretical background and
the building blocks, and name a treatment specific mediator for the
intervention.
Possible answers:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is based on the cognitive behavioral theory, which is a
combination of the cognitive theory and the behaviorism/learning theory. The idea behind
this theory is that behaviors/emotions are determined by the interpretation of the
situation/context. It is a continuous cycle of experience, thought, feeling, and behavior. CBT
focusses on symptom resolution in the here and now. The sessions are structured and
oriented and focus on teaching cognitive, behavioral, emotional and social skills to manage
symptoms.
- Treatment specific mediator:
o Changing cognitions
o Relaxation
2. Psychodynamic-informed treatments: play therapy, attachment-based approaches
- Psychodynamic-informed treatments are based on the object relations theory (play therapy)
and attachment theory (attachment-based approaches). These theories state that the way
people relate to others and situations in their adult lives is shaped by childhood experiences.
They also state that a strong emotional and physical attachment to at least one primary
caregiver is critical to personal development. The treatment focusses on affect and
expression of emotion. The attempts to avoid distressing thoughts and feelings is explored
and the recurring themes and patterns are identified. The past experiences are discussed or
“played out” (developmental focus). The treatment also focusses on interpersonal relations
and the therapy relationship. It explores the fantasy life.
- Treatment specific mediator:
o Alliance
o Expression of emotion
3. Systems therapy
- Systems therapy is based on the systems theory. This theory states that a system (family) is
composed out of elements (family members) that are organized by the nature of the
relationship between those elements. It also states that (family) systems who last, correct
themselves by adapting to environmental challenges and developmental changes. The goal
is to expose the dynamics of interaction that lead to a dysfunctional pattern of functioning.
The sessions pay attention to interaction patterns (communication), relations (attachment),
structure (hierarchy), and relation with the environment. There are three kinds of
perspectives of the systems therapy: the structural perspective, the interactive perspective,
and the solution-focused perspective.
- Treatment specific mediator:
o Association with deviant peers
o Changes in a family system
4. Multi systematic therapy (MST)
, - Multi systematic therapy (MST) is based on the systems theory. This theory states that a
system (family) is composed out of elements (family members) that are organized by the
nature of the relationship between those elements. It also states that (family) systems who
last correct themselves by adapting to environmental challenges and developmental
changes. MST integrated empirically based interventions (e.g. CBT, systems therapy, PMT)
into one package (whatever is needed). It addresses multiple cases of antisocial behavior. It
offers practical and emotional support to the parents and motivates them. An important
concept of MST is empowerment. This means increasing the own strengths of the family and
helping them become active and competent agents of change.
- Treatment specific mediator:
o Association with deviant peers
o High parental competence
5. Parent management training (PMT)
- Parent management training (PMT) is based on the coercion theory. This theory states that a
certain pattern of interaction could result in worsening behavior in the child as well as a loss
of control in parents. PMT is a behaviorally based program in which parents learn to use
effective parenting skills, so that they can regulate the behavior of the child. The sessions are
active and focus on creating learning opportunities for parents. The therapist uses
modelling, roleplay, brainstorming, and homework. The training teaches parents how to
increase the frequency of desired behaviors and decrease the frequency of unwanted
behaviors. It’s about empowering the parents by using the FRAMES model.
- Treatment specific mediator:
o Association with deviant peers
o Reductions in coercive family processes
o Parental monitoring (for teens)
6. Multidimensional treatment foster care (MTFC)
- Multidimensional treatment foster care (MTFC) is based on the coercion theory. This theory
states that a certain pattern of interaction could result in worsening behavior in the child as
well as a loss of control in parents. MTFC is the least restrictive environment for youth with
severe mental health problems and it’s cost effective. The environment offers role-models of
positive behavior and minimizes the influence of deviant peers. MTFC also prepares the
family for the adolescent’s return by training, support and PMT. It also teaches pro-social
skills, problem solving and conflict resolution to the youths.
- Treatment specific mediator:
o Reductions in coercive family processes
7. Positive parenting program (Triple P)
- Positive parenting program (Triple P) is based on the coercion theory. This theory states that
a certain pattern of interaction could result in worsening behavior in the child as well as a
loss of control in parents. Triple P promotes positive contact. It encourages desirable
behavior, teaches parents new skills and behaviors and teaches them to manage
misbehavior. It targets different developmental periods and has different delivery contexts.
The principles of Triple P are: a safe and engaging environment, a positive learning
environment, assertive discipline, realistic expectations, and taking care of yourself as a
parent.
- Treatment specific mediator:
o Reductions in coercive family processes
o Parental monitoring (for teens)