EFTA RESEARCH CAFE: Contextualizing the intervention: parenting for lifelong health for adolescents and their families

With Prof. Nevena Calovska Hertzog

Abstract

A study by UNICEF North Macedonia revealed alarming rates of depression symptoms among adolescents, emphasizing the need for effective interventions to support their mental health.

Objectives:This study aims to analyze and discuss the contextualization process of the « Parenting for Lifelong Health » (PLH) intervention for adolescents and their families in North Macedonia.

Methodology:The PLH intervention is a group-based socio-behavioral program developed in collaboration between researchers, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF. It focuses on enhancing positive parenting practices and adolescent-caregiver communication, aiming to promote child and adolescent health and prevent violence against children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study employs a qualitative approach, examining the process of adapting the PLH intervention to the Macedonian context, considering cultural, social, and structural factors. Methods of qualitative research used: observatin of video taped sessions, focus groups with parents and adolescents separately, content and thematic analysis of taped sessions were used.

Results:Preliminary findings indicate the significance of warmth and autonomy in parenting approaches associated with positive adolescent behaviors and mental health outcomes. The contextualization process highlighted the importance of aligning the PLH intervention with local values, beliefs, and practices to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

Nevena Calovska Herzog, MD,PhD,ECP, psychiatrist and systemic family therapist, Professor  at the University Singidinum,  Belgrade, Serbia, where she lectures in Family relations, Attachment, Counselling and Psychothrapy. She this  the founder of the Association of Systemic Therapists in Belgrade, Center for training in Systemic Family Therapy. , training center for family therapy, EFTA TIC member.
Dr Calovska Herzog is an active member in European Family Therapy Association, EFTA,  has served as a Secretary General,. Presently, she is cahirin Chamber of Training Institutes in EFTA. In the European Association for Psychotherapy, EAP, she  is working as an External Relations Officer. Dr Calovska is aslo an expert and permanent member of the Training Acrediting Committee, TAC of the EAP, being  in charge of supporting and promoting Trainig Psychotherapy Institutes .
She has published over 80 professional articles and chapters .
Being in  private practice, training , and supervision her main interests are in providing and developing high quality effective and efficient practice, and enhancing exchange of  ideas and experiences among colleagues.
In 2022 she has been awared EFTA Award or developing family therapy across Europe.

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