Information regarding the theoretical foundations of MF - PEP has been published previously.21 Pilot studies indicate that MF - PEP is associated with the following: increased knowledge of
mood disorders; increased
positive family interactions; increased efficacy
in seeking treatment; improved coping skills; improved parental attitude toward the child and the treatment; increased social support from parents; and a
trend toward increased social support from peers
in children.22, 23 To assess the impact of MF - PEP on children's
mood symptoms, this full - scale randomized trial was conducted.