Adapting the Unique Minds Program: Exploring the Feasibility of a Multiple Family Intervention for Children with Learning Disabilities in the Context of Spain. Issue 2 (20th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: López‐Larrosa, Silvia; González‐Seijas, Rosa M.; Carpenter, John S. W.
• Is Part Of: Family process. Volume 56:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 423
• Page End: 435
• Publication Date: 2016-04-20
• Subjects: Learning Disabilities -- Multiple Family -- Primary School Children -- Cultural Adaptation; discapacidades del aprendizaje -- multifamiliar -- niños de escuela primaria -- adaptación cultural; 学习障碍 -- 多重家庭 -- 小学儿童 -- 文化调整; Family psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Families -- Periodicals; 616.8915
• DOI: 10.1111/famp.12215
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-7370

Abstract

Abstract : The Unique Minds Program (Stern, Unique Minds Program, 1999) addresses the socio‐emotional needs of children with learning disabilities (LD) and their families. Children and their parents work together in a multiple family group to learn more about LD and themselves as people with the capacity to solve problems in a collaborative way, including problems in family school relationships. This article reports the cultural adaptation of the program for use in Spain and findings from a feasibility study involving three multiple family groups and a total of 15 children and 15 mothers, using a pre‐post design. This Spanish adaptation of the program is called "Mentes Únicas". Standardized outcome measures indicated an overall statistically significant decrease in children's self‐rated maladjustment and relationship difficulties by the end of the program. Improvements were endorsed by most mothers, although they were not always recognized by the children's teachers. The program had a high level of acceptability: Mothers and children felt safe, understood, and helped throughout the sessions. The efficacy of the adapted intervention for the context of Spain remains to be tested in a more rigorous study. Abstract : English Video Abstract Spanish Video Abstract