A Dual Phased, Mixed Methods Approach To The Experience And Effects On Empathy With A Small Group Of Parents Of Preadolescent Children Participating In A Child Parent Relationship Therapy Training

Abstract

This dual phased, mixed methods designed examined the experiences and the effects of empathy and acceptance on six parents with preadolescent children who participated in Child and Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) training. Parents from an experimental and control group participated in a 10-week filial therapy training. The results of the posttest scores of the experimental parent group were compared to the pretest scores of the control group on the Measurement of Empathy in Adult and Child Interactions (MEACI) and the Porter Parental Acceptance Scale (PPAS). Following the training period for both groups parent participants were interviewed regarding their experiences. Parental acceptance of self-direction, involvement and acceptance were shown in the interview responses to be responsible for relationship growth and improved interactions for these parents. Parents were recalled and four out of the original parent participants were interviewed 16 weeks after the completion of their respective training sessions had lapse in order to participate in a closing interview. A narrative inquiry was presented to impart the experiences of these four parents who had participated in filial therapy training with their preadolescent child.