Abstract

QUITERIO, Patricia Lorena et al. Family guidance program developed in the applied psychology service of a public university. Psicol. clin. [online]. 2021, vol.33, n.1, pp. 119-139. ISSN 0103-5665.  http://dx.doi.org/10.33208/PC1980-5438v0033n01A06.

Inappropriate parental practices and deficit in social skills in the family environment may be risk factors for child development. However, family guidance focused on prevention of behavioral problems and on health promotion favors the mental health and well-being of family members. This paper describes the effects of an exploratory intervention (Family Guidance Program), carried out in an applied psychology service of a public university, that aimed to promote parental practices and educational skills of relatives and to prevent behavioral problems. Seven relatives of children and adolescents between 3 months and 17 years old took part in the program. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation were done before, during and after intervention. Four instruments were applied: (a) Brief semi-structured interview at sign-up into the program; (b) Quality of Family Interaction Scales; (c) Homework assignments; (d) Process Evaluation Protocol. The intervention showed positive effects in the quality of family interaction, mainly in the communication factor. Process results showed the establishment of clearer rules and displays of affection. It is concluded that the intervention showed satisfactory changes in parental practices, considered as factors of protection and socio-emotional development of children.

Keywords : family; family relations; parental practices; intervention; program evaluation.

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