Evolution of Functional Family Therapy as an Evidence‐Based Practice for Adolescents with Disruptive Behavior Problems

• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12230
• Author: Charles W. Turner,Amy Hollimon,Michael S. Robbins,James F. Alexander
• Published date: 01 September 2016
• Date: 01 September 2016

Evolution of Functional Family Therapy as an

Evidence-Based Practice for Adolescents with

Disruptive Behavior Problems

MICHAEL S. ROBBINS*

,†

JAMES F. ALEXANDER*

CHARLES W. TURNER

†

AMY HOLLIMON*

This article summarizes the evolution of functional family therapy (FFT) based upon

four decades of clinical practice and scientific scrutiny through research evidence. FFT

research has evolved from an initial focus upon clinical process rese arch, which examined

sequential exchanges between therapists and family members. A key element of this

research has been an examination of the way in which clinicians acquire, consolidate, and

maintain the skills needed to implement FFT effectively with youth and families. Many

randomized efficacy and effectiveness studies have evaluated the impact of FFT across

diverse clinical populations. Subsequent research investigated factors that influence the

effectiveness of implementation across more than 300 clinical settings in which more than

2,500 trained clinicians have provided service to nearly 400,000 families. Another impor-

tant set of investigations concerned the cost-effectiveness of the interventions.

Keywords: Functional Family therapy; Adolescents; Delinquency; Substance Use;

Research

Fam Proc 55:543–557, 2016

Functional family therapy (FFT; Alexander & Parsons, 1982; Alexander, Waldron, Rob-

bins, & Neeb, 2013) is an evidence-based treatment (EBT) for adolescents with disr up-

tive behavior problems. The evolution of the FFT model into an EBT has occurred over the

past 45 years through the systematic interplay between theory, research, and practice.

Szapocznik and Kurtines (1993) coherently describe how clinical model development is

neither static nor rigid, but rather unfolds continuously based on new information and

experiences. The process of evolution is iterative with new data emerging from clinical

experience or research evidence feeding into new questions or ideas about change; ques-

tions and ideas which are then subjected to scientific scrutiny and evaluation; and the

results of such inquiries can lead to new articulations of the clinical model. Scien tific scru-

tiny, thus, represents the penultimate link in the evolutionary process of an evidence-

based approach.

*Functional Family Therapy LLC, Pembroke Pines, FL.

†

Oregon Research Institute, Highland Park, NJ.

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Michael S. Robbins, Functional Family

Therapy LLC, 1901 NW 108 Ave Pembroke Pines, FL 33026. E-mail: mrobbins@ori.org.

Drs. Robbins, Alexander, and Hollimon all receive compensation from FFT LLC, a corporation that is

involved in the dissemination of FFT into real world settings. Dr. Turner does not receive compensation

from FFT LLC.

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Family Process, Vol. 55, No. 3, 2016 ©2016 Family Process Institute

doi: 10.1111/famp.12230