Mediators of a randomized controlled trial of a preventive intervention for youth of parents with depressive disorders.

Objective: The present study assessed two theory-driven mediators of the effects of a family group cognitive-behavioral (FGCB) preventive intervention for youth of parents with a history of major depressive disorder (MDD) or dysthymia on long-term youth psychopathology symptoms and diagnoses.
Method: Sample included 180 parents ( M _age = 41.9, 89% female, 82% White, non-Hispanic) and one of their children/adolescents ages 9-15 years ( M _age = 11.4, 49% female, 74% White, non-Hispanic). Changes in the hypothesized mediators, observations of positive parenting (Iowa Family Interaction Rating Scales) and youth secondary control coping (SCC) skills (Responses to Stress Questionnaire), were assessed at 6 months. Changes in youth psychopathology symptoms were assessed on the Child Behavior Checklist and Youth Self-Report at 18- and 24-month follow-ups and MDD diagnoses with the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia at 12 and 24 months.
Results: Changes in youth SCC skills (e.g., acceptance, reappraisal) after the intervention mediated the effects of the FGCB program on changes in youth internalizing and externalizing symptoms at 18- and 24-month follow-ups. Effects for changes in positive parenting behaviors as a mediator were more limited. SCC skills were further shown to mediate the effects of the FGCB intervention on MDD diagnoses from 12 to 24 months.
Conclusions: This study provides clear and strong evidence that changes in youth SCC skills mediated the long-term effects of preventive intervention for families of depressed parents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).