Effectiveness of Solution Focused Family Therapy to Increase Family Social Support for Mothers Who Have Down Syndrome Children

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 59 views

Effectiveness of Solution Focused Family Therapy to Increase Family Social Support for Mothers Who Have Down Syndrome Children

Introduction

Having children with Down Syndrome brings its own set of challenges for parents, especially mothers. They often become the backbone in caring for their children, which can lead to severe emotional and physical burdens. This is exacerbated by the lack of social support from the family, such as husband and children, who can trigger stress and difficulties in managing daily life. In this study, we aim to examine the effectiveness of Solution Focused Family Therapy (SFFT) in increasing social support for mothers with children with Down Syndrome.

Background

Solution Focused Family Therapy (SFFT) is a family therapy that focuses on finding solutions and family potential in dealing with the problems encountered. This approach is based on the idea that families have the capacity to solve their own problems and improve their situation. SFFT is a goal-oriented approach that emphasizes the importance of identifying and building on the strengths and resources of the family. In this study, we will examine the effectiveness of SFFT in increasing social support for mothers with children with Down Syndrome.

Methodology

This study uses the Single-Subject Research method to examine the effectiveness of SFFT in increasing social support for mothers with children with Down Syndrome. The study involved two mothers who had children with Down Syndrome, attended the Rantauprapat State Extraordinary School (SLB), and had a low social support score. The study measures social support before and after the provision of SFFT therapy using the iSel Adaptation scale, which measures four types of support:

Tangible Support: concrete assistance
Appraisal Support: Emotional Support and Strengthening
Self-esteem Support: Support which builds self-confidence
Belonging Support: support of ownership and is accepted

Results

The results showed that SFFT was effective in increasing social support in families with Down Syndrome children. In both subjects, tangible support and appraisal support experienced a significant increase. The difference in the level of increasing social support between subject 1 and subject 2 is caused by several factors, such as the age of supporting support, the nature or attitude of recipients of support, and the number of family members.

Discussion

These results indicate that SFFT can be an effective tool to help families with Down Syndrome children increase social support and maximize their potential in facing challenges. This therapy encourages families to find solutions and improve their ability to overcome the difficulties they experience. Although this research is limited to two subjects, this result provides initial evidence that is promising about the potential of SFFT in supporting families with Down Syndrome children.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides evidence that SFFT can be an effective tool in increasing social support for mothers with children with Down Syndrome. The results of this study suggest that SFFT can help families with Down Syndrome children to improve their social support and maximize their potential in facing challenges. Further research needs to be done with a larger number of subjects and longer time spans to ensure the effectiveness of SFFT and identify the factors that can influence it.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further Research: Further research needs to be done with a larger number of subjects and longer time spans to ensure the effectiveness of SFFT and identify the factors that can influence it.
Training and Education: Training and education programs should be developed to provide therapists and healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to implement SFFT effectively.
Policy and Practice: Policy and practice changes should be made to support the use of SFFT in clinical and community settings.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small Sample Size: The study involved only two subjects, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Short Duration: The study was conducted over a short period of time, which may not be representative of the long-term effects of SFFT.
Limited Measures: The study used only one measure of social support, which may not capture the full range of social support experiences.

Future Directions

Future research should aim to:

Increase Sample Size: Increase the sample size to include a larger number of subjects and to increase the generalizability of the results.
Longer Duration: Conduct the study over a longer period of time to examine the long-term effects of SFFT.
Multiple Measures: Use multiple measures of social support to capture the full range of social support experiences.

Conclusion

Q: What is Solution Focused Family Therapy (SFFT)?

A: Solution Focused Family Therapy (SFFT) is a family therapy approach that focuses on finding solutions and family potential in dealing with the problems encountered. This approach is based on the idea that families have the capacity to solve their own problems and improve their situation.

Q: What are the benefits of SFFT for families with Down Syndrome children?

A: SFFT can help families with Down Syndrome children to improve their social support and maximize their potential in facing challenges. This therapy encourages families to find solutions and improve their ability to overcome the difficulties they experience.

Q: How does SFFT increase social support for mothers with Down Syndrome children?

A: SFFT increases social support for mothers with Down Syndrome children by providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to manage their daily lives and care for their children. This therapy also helps families to build on their strengths and resources, which can lead to increased social support.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size, short duration, and limited measures of social support. Future research should aim to increase the sample size, conduct the study over a longer period of time, and use multiple measures of social support.

Q: What are the recommendations for further research?

A: Further research should be conducted with a larger number of subjects and longer time spans to ensure the effectiveness of SFFT and identify the factors that can influence it. Training and education programs should also be developed to provide therapists and healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to implement SFFT effectively.

Q: What are the implications of this study for policy and practice?

A: The results of this study suggest that SFFT can be an effective tool in increasing social support for mothers with Down Syndrome children. Policy and practice changes should be made to support the use of SFFT in clinical and community settings.

Q: What are the potential applications of SFFT in other areas?

A: SFFT has the potential to be applied in other areas, such as working with families who have children with other disabilities, or working with families who are experiencing other challenges. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of SFFT in these areas.

Q: What are the next steps for this research?

A: The next steps for this research include conducting further studies with a larger number of subjects and longer time spans, and exploring the potential applications of SFFT in other areas.

Q: What are the potential benefits of SFFT for families with Down Syndrome children?

A: The potential benefits of SFFT for families with Down Syndrome children include improved social support, increased ability to manage daily lives, and improved ability to care for their children.

Q: What are the potential challenges of implementing SFFT in clinical and community settings?

A: The potential challenges of implementing SFFT in clinical and community settings include training and education needs for therapists and healthcare professionals, and the need for policy and practice changes to support the use of SFFT.

Q: What are the potential implications of this study for families with Down Syndrome children?

A: The results of this study suggest that SFFT can be an effective tool in increasing social support for mothers with Down Syndrome children. This has the potential to improve the lives of families with Down Syndrome children by providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to manage their daily lives and care for their children.