Companionship Factors and Treatment Effects in Children.

This study summarizes and integrates controlled outcome studies that have specifically assessed the effects Of adult companionship as a primary treatment strategy for children. The relation between treatment and method factors and the size of treatment effects is also examined. It is concluded that the typical child engaged in companionship therapy is only minimally improved relative to untreated control children. Although companionship therapy factors do not by themselves seem to have a significant impact on the typical child, a number of variables are outlined that may contribute to enhanced effects for some children. The implications of this body of research for understanding the therapeutic effects of relationship factors as such are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]