Implementing Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) - Evaluation Research

NCT04763720 | Enrolling By Invitation DMC

• 1 other identifier: 75120X
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 100
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The objective of this study is to evaluate the implementation and use of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) in three centra, with particular focus on its potential effects on the quality of the observable caregiver-child interaction. The three centra included are Telemark Hospital Trust, Department for Child- and Adolescent Psychiatric Health, Child Protective Services in Skien and Child Protective Services in Porsgrunn. The implementation of DDP is being led by Telemark Hospital Trust, while therapists from all centra are being trained in DDP as part of the implementation process. Primarily we aim to identify any changes associated with DDP treatment in the caregiver-child interaction, as measured by the Emotional Availability Scales (EA scales). Our secondary outcome measures assess changes in parental self-efficacy, parental stress, and child emotional and behavioral problems. The research aims are divided in three research questions: Q1: What changes are associated with DDP treatment: Q1.1 the quality of the caregiver-child interaction Q1.2 parental self-efficacy Q1.3 parental stress, Q1.4 child emotional and behavioral problems Based on previous literature, we hypothesize that we will see an increase in the quality of the caregiver-child interaction and parental self-efficacy after completing the DDP treatment, and a decrease in parental stress and child emotional and behavioral problems (Becker-Weidman, A. 2006) In addition to assessing the effects of DDP we will evaluate the implementation of DDP in the three centra, and inform the implementation by collecting information through interviews with patients and clinicians. We aim to answer: Q2: How do children and their caregivers experience DDP as a therapeutic intervention? Q3: How do clinicians experience the training process and the use of DDP as a therapeutic intervention? Based on previous literature, we hypothesize that we will see an increase in the quality of the caregiver-child interaction and parental self-efficacy after completing the DDP treatment, and a decrease in parental stress and child emotional and behavioral problems

Conditions

Psychiatric Problem; Child Neglect; Maltreatment; Child Behavior Problem; DDP

Keywords

Attachment; Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy; Trauma; Therapy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in quality of caregiver-child interaction

  The quality of caregiver-child interaction using the "Emotional Availability Scales". Max total score is 29 and a higher score means better quality interaction.

  Time 1 is when the family is referred to DDP treatment, time 2 when treatment is finished, approximately 24 weeks later

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Change in measured parental self-efficacy

  Time 1 is when the family is referred to DDP treatment, time 2 when treatment is finished, approximately 24 weeks later

• Change in parental stress

  Time 1 is when the family is referred to DDP treatment, time 2 when treatment is finished, approximately 24 weeks later

• Change in child symptoms of traumatic stress

  Time 1 is when the family is referred to DDP treatment, time 2 when treatment is finished, approximately 24 weeks later

• Change in child emotional and behavioral symptoms

  Time 1 is when the family is referred to DDP treatment, time 2 when treatment is finished, approximately 24 weeks later

Other Outcomes (2)

• Caregiver's experience of receiving DDP

  Approximately 24 weeks after the family has been referred to DDP treatment

• Therapists experience of the implementation and use of DDP

  Up to every 3rd month after the therapist has been trained in DDP, until the end of the data collection period (31.12.2023)

Study Arms (1)

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy

Families being treated with DDP at either of the centres

Behavioral: Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy

Interventions

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy BEHAVIORAL

DDP involves approximately twenty sessions with the family, conducted by a trained DDP therapist. DDP is developed to treat trauma-related and attachment difficulties. DDP is not a manualized treatment but involves using a set of core communication techniques (termed PACE; Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy).

Also known as: DDP

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 5 Years - 99 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Families receiving DDP treatment at any of the centra, that fulfill the eligibility criteria.

You may qualify if:

• Symptoms of relational and/or attachment difficulties
• History of trauma, including neglect or emotional abuse
• Age 5-18
• Can understand and make oneself understood in Norwegian

You may not qualify if:

• Current substance abuse in child or caregiver
• Current psychosis in child or caregiver
• Trained in DDP
• Working with DDP in either of the centra

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Sykehuset Telemark: lead

Study Sites (1)

Telemark Hospital Trust

Skien, Vestfold Og Telemark, 3710, Norway

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Becker-Weidman A. Treatment for Children with Reactive Attachment Disorder: Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2008 Feb;13(1):52. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-3588.2006.00428.x. No abstract available.

  PMID: 32847154 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Wounds and Injuries

Study Officials

• Idun Røseth, Ph.D

  Telemark Hospital Trust - University of South-East Norway

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER GOV
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 2, 2021
• First Posted: February 21, 2021
• Study Start: January 1, 2021
• Primary Completion (Estimated): February 29, 2028
• Study Completion (Estimated): February 29, 2028
• Last Updated: July 9, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

NO (1)