Family systems therapy in families with a chronic physical illness: A critical review of scientific evidence

Journal title TERAPIA FAMILIARE
Author/s Paolo Gritti
Publishing Year 2026 Issue 2026/141
Language Italian Pages 21 P. 83-103 File size 153 KB
DOI 10.3280/TF2026-141007
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This paper systematically examines the scientific evidence on the efficacy of Family Systems Therapy (FST) and systemicrelational approaches applied to families in which one or more members are affected by serious or chronic somatic illness. Through the analysis of metaanalyses, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials published over the past three decades, the theoretical foundations of the model are discussed, along with the main derived clinical approaches – including Medical Family Therapy (MedFT), Rolland’s Family Systems Illness Model, and the Biobehavioral Family Model – and the empirical results obtained in specific conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, pediatric and adult oncology, chronic respiratory diseases, and degenerative neurological conditions. The analysis shows that systemic family interventions produce significant positive effects on caregivers’ psychological wellbeing, family functioning, therapeutic adherence and, to a more variable degree, on the biomedical outcomes of the identified patient. Methodological limitations of current research, efficacy moderators, and future directions for research and clinical practice are also discussed.

Keywords: family systems therapy, chronic illness, medical family therapy, caregiver, biopsychosocial, family interventions.

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Paolo Gritti, La Family Systems Therapy nelle famiglie con un membro affetto da malattia somatica grave o cronica. Una rassegna critica delle evidenze scientifiche in "TERAPIA FAMILIARE" 141/2026, pp 83-103, DOI: 10.3280/TF2026-141007