The effects of a Multi-Family Group Programme targeting individuals with early psychosis and their families in Singapore

The Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP) works with individuals aged between 16 to 40 years old, who are suffering from first episode psychosis. Existing research has extensively documented the debilitating effects of... [ view full abstract ]

The Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP) works with individuals aged between 16 to 40 years old, who are suffering from first episode psychosis. Existing research has extensively documented the debilitating effects of psychosis on the lives of sufferers and their families (Schene, Wijngaarden & Koeter, 1998; Barrowclough, Tarrier & Johnston, 1996). EPIP sees the importance of developing the Multiple Family Group Programme (MFGP) to address the impact of psychosis on everyone in the family.

MFGP is an experiential intervention which involves weekly three hour sessions for four consecutive weeks. It enables individuals and families to share how psychosis has affected them, their hopes and dreams, challenges and anticipated obstacles, past coping strategies and management plans for future crises. Families also explore their family-of-origin, strengths and resources.

Two separate focus groups for patients and family members were conducted after two runs to understand participants’ experiences of MFGP. The purpose was to explore the effects of MFGP on participants and understand their perspectives of what constitutes a successful MFGP. This was a qualitative study, exploratory in nature with the aim of generating hypotheses. Thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) was used to analyse the data.

Preliminary results suggest that the multi-family context created a safe environment which promoted mutual learning and support. Participants reported better understanding of psychosis, improved communication and relationships in the family, and appreciated the opportunity to widen their support networks after attending the programme. Participants also suggested taking MFGP out of the therapy room, focusing the intervention on recovery rather than on psychosis, and having more discussions instead of presentations amongst the families.

In conclusion, MFGP had a positive impact on the participants and their families. Future modifications to the MFGP based on participants’ recommendations will enable the intervention to better satisfy the needs of users.