A Systemic Family Therapy Intervention With an Emerging Adult Exhibiting Aggressive Behaviours: A Systematic Case Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT The literature shows that emerging adults exposed to parental conflict and divorce can experience difficulties adapting to adult life compared with their peers. This study presents a typical case of such emerging adults struggling with aggression tendencies. This case study was designed according to hermeneutic single‐case efficacy design, implementing systemic psychotherapy over 13 sessions. We employed the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire and the Differentiation of Self Inventory, changes in experiencing and behaviour scales, and conducted semi‐structured interviews in data collection. Three case judges reviewed rich case records to evaluate whether the treatment was deemed effective. Based on the data, the course of intervention was partitioned into five stages: formation of the therapeutic alliance, introduction of the systemic perspective, expansion of the repertoire of emotion regulation strategies, emphasis on differentiation from family, and termination. Eventually, the client showed noticeable efforts to recover his relationships, there were desired changes in measurement scores, and positive statements from change interviews regarding the therapy impact. Based on the case judges' evaluations, it was concluded that the intervention was effective in helping the client to overcome his problems and take responsibility for his life.

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