A Review Following Systematic Principles of Multisystemic Therapy for Antisocial Behavior in Adolescents Aged 10–17 Years

Abstract

One intervention that has shown promise in reducing serious adolescent antisocial behavior is Multisystemic Therapy. This approach is ecologically driven and considers those social systems within which adolescents are embedded. The aims of this systematic review were firstly to investigate whether Multisystemic Therapy for adolescents aged 10–17 years reduces antisocial behavior and out-of-home placement and, secondly whether improvements in other domains, such as, substance use, adolescent emotional and behavioral difficulties, family functioning, peer relations and school are observed. An initial scoping exercise undertaken to explore the available literature found a systematic review undertaken over 10 years ago. Since then, Multisystemic Therapy has been the subject of a number of randomized control trials across the world. Subsequently an updated review following systematic principles was undertaken utilizing inclusion criteria and quality control measures. This resulted in 11 studies, published from 2006 to 2014 conducted in and outside of America, assessed in quality as ranging from weak to strong. Results indicated that the outcomes for Multisystemic Therapy continue to be mixed across studies. Comparisons between studies were challenging and the review highlighted the need for increased consistency in reporting about “usual services,” deeper consideration about cultural differences in the international transportation of Multisystemic Therapy, adequate sample sizes and improved documenting of aftercare services.