Influence of Family Therapy on Bullying Behavior, Cortisol Secretion, Anger, and Quality of Life in Bullying Male Adolescents: a Randomized, Prospective, Controlled Study

Objective: To determine the influence of brief strategic family therapy (BSFT) on salivary cortisol, anger and health-related quality of life in adolescent boys with bullying behavior.

Method: Thirty-six of 72 boys with bullying behavior from the general population were treated with BSFT for twelve weeks and another 36 formed the comparison group. Primary outcome measures were salivary cortisol concentration 15 to 30 minutes after awakening, and changes on the scales of the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) and Health Survey (SF–36).

Results: After twelve weeks’ treatment, a significant reduction in bullying behavior (P=0.017) and in the mean values (according to the intent-to-treat principle) was observed for salivary cortisol concentration (P<0.001), the STAXI scales State-Anger (P<0.001), Trait-Anger (P<0.001), Anger Out (P<0.001) and Anger Control (P<0.001), as well as for the Vitality (VITA, P<0.001), Social Functioning (SOFU, P<0.001), Role-Emotional (ROEM, P<0.001), and Mental Health (PSYC, P<0.001) scales of SF–36. Conclusions: BSFT effectively influenced bullying behavior, salivary cortisol concentration, anger and health-related quality of life in adolescent bullying boys.

adolescence - anger - brief strategic family therapy - health-related quality of life - salivary cortisol