Intuitive practice or evidence-based therapy? Science provides the answer.

The Family Constellations method has long been considered one of the most intuitively powerful tools for discovering and unravelling deep inner patterns. But is this influence simply a subjective experience, or does it also have a sound scientific basis?

In 2021, researchers at the University of Groningen published an in-depth systematic research (see references) to assess the impact of family constellations on mental health.. The results of this study are of seminal importance for anyone who wants to understand, either constellation therapy works.

Study: what does the science say?

The study was conducted by Barna Konkoly Thege (University of Toronto), Carla Petroll (University of Hamburg), Carlos Rivas (European Graduate School) and Salome Scholtens (University Medical Center Groningen). This was the first scientific review focusing specifically on quantitative and time-measured (prospective) studies of the impact of family constellation therapy on mental health.

Key facts:

• The systematic review started with an analysis of 4197 records from scientific and professional databases. Following strict inclusion criteria, 12 studies (568 participants in total) representing 10 independent samples were selected, focusing on the effects of family constellation therapy on mental health.
• The surveys covered a range of mental health indicators, from self-esteem and family relationships to general psychopathology.
• 9 out of 12 studies showed statistically significant positive changes after constellation therapy.
• The meta-analysis (based on 5 studies) highlighted the following. a positive effect of moderate size reduction in overall psychopathology (Hedges’ g = 0.531).

The results of the study convincingly suggest that the scientific basis for family constellations is emerging and the method has measurable therapeutic potential.

These are not just subjective customer impressions. The surveys on which the review was based were longitudinal – this means that participants’ condition was measured before and after the intervention. This allows for a much more reliable assessment of causality than retrospective or qualitative interviews.

In addition, the study highlighted:

• Tolerance: Seven studies also looked at possible negative side effects. Although four of them reported some mild side effects (e.g. emotional instability in a small proportion of participants), this was only 5-8% and related to intense experience – similar to other therapies.
  
  Thus, short-term emotional reactions (e.g. fatigue, confusion) were experienced as side effects, but these were usually temporary and may have resolved spontaneously, or even led to a better outcome in a later follow-up assessment., as described by Langlotz (2005, 2006).
  

• The results of the meta-analysis were confidence interval for the effect size 0.39-0.68, indicating a stable moderate effect. Statistical significance was very high (p < 0.001) and there was no significant variability between studies (I² = 0%).

• Diverse applicability: The method has been used successfully in the general population, in prisons, with trauma patients and even in pedagogy – giving an idea of its flexibility.

Why is scientific evidence important?

Today’s citizens are increasingly looking for evidence-based practices – especially in the field of mental well-being. When it comes to a sensitive and profound method such as family constellations. scientific evidence helps to break myths and build trust.

This is why the Gronigen University review is important: it confirms that family constellations are not merely an experiential or spiritual practice, but a… an effective therapeutic approachwhich has a scientifically measurable effects on mental health.

The authors of the study further point out that, while the existing evidence is promising, more further research is needed. more high-quality control group studies and longer follow-up evaluationsto further confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of the method.

Summary

Family constellations are no longer just an alternative practice – they are moving in a decisive step. science-based therapy direction. A 2021 systematic review by the University of Groningen confirms that the method has a. measurable positive impact on mental health, and this impact is not just experiential, but is increasingly supported by scientific evidence.

So, if you’re looking for a deeper path of self-development or support with psychological challenges, the Scientific proof of family constellations reason enough to seriously consider this method. It is a safe, effective and versatile approach, suitable for both individual work and group processes.

Source link

📗 Konkoly Thege, B., Petroll, C., Rivas, C., & Scholtens, S. (2021). The Effectiveness of Family Constellation Therapy in Improving Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Family Process, 60(2), 409-423.https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12636

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