The results of a targeted open trial of the Fun FRIENDS combined with a concurrent parent-based intervention

The purpose of this study was to assess an open trial of the Fun FRIENDS program, as an early intervention for referred young children with internalizing symptoms, combined with the simultaneous administration of an adult resilience building program with parents. More specifically, 178 children, ranging in age from 5 to 7, and their parents participated in concurrent intervention programs, as children participated in the Fun FRIENDS program parents participated in the Strong Not Tough: Adult Resilience Program. Based on assessment from pre to post-intervention, significant improvements were found in both child and parent functioning, including reductions in internalizing symptoms and increases in levels of resilience. Also, for mothers, reduction in parent-related stress from pre to post-intervention predicted levels of child anxiety at post-intervention. Overall, the results of this study provide support for the positive impact of Fun FRIENDS enhanced with an adult resilience building program for parents.