A QUASI EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN IN SYSTEMIC FAMILY THERAPY.

Introduction .This research had as a main goal to use the Subdimensional scale of relational functioning as a diagnostic tool, as a first step, and after to engage in the process of family therapy as well as evaluate its effectiveness. The theoretical approach employed was structural systemic therapy. Minuchin (1979) viewed families as open systems composed of subsystems, for instance, there is the sexual one (both parents), the parental subsystem, the one integrated by brothers and so on. In each there are values, behaviors, roles and rules, for instance. Each subsystem has its boundaries. Of course, all these facets are not fixed and absolute; on the contrary, there is a great deal of dynamism, leading to change. Problems arise when boundaries, rules, values, hierarchies,  and roles are not clear. Therefore, the task of the therapist is to help families to clarify and accept all these Method. The research was undertaken with six families from Cuernavaca city, Morelos State, in Mexico. The design used was cuasi-experimental (Arias Galicia, 2010): one natural experimental group and one control; after treatment to the experimental, the same kind of therapy was delivered to the control group. This study was made with two groups of families: three families as the experimental group and three families as the control group. The experimental group was in therapy for the same time as the control group; they were attended once a week. The measuring instrument was a scale designed to evaluate family relationships (Melgarejo, 2008). It was previously validated and standardized; reliability coefficients were adequate according to international standards. This scale is composed of  five factors: Problem solving and responsibility, Team working and affect expression, Negotiation of rules and sexual relationships, Communication, empathy and values; and Hierarchies Results . Before intervention, measures showed poor family relationships. After treatment, scores increased significantly in both groups. Discussion . As an additional precaution, all families were asked i they had received additional help from a priest, self-help books, friends, and so on. Answers were negative. So, it may be concluded that therapy was effective. This intervention showed the effectiveness of the psychotherapeutic intervention because rival hypothesis were eliminated. Notwithstanding, it is imperative to undertake future research in other cities and countries in order to ascertain the degree of generalization that can be achieved concerning systemic therapy.