A process evaluation of Lifebook for You(th)

Abstract

Lifebook for You(th) targets youth who have little continuity in their life. These children often had to deal with abuse, neglect, war or other kinds of trauma. During the Lifebook meetings the children reflect on their past experiences and look at the positive aspects of these memories. The purpose of this research is to define active factors and obstacles, to evaluate treatment integrity and cultural differences/adaptations of Lifebook for You(th) in an international context by means of a process evaluation. A qualitative study design was chosen. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with Lifebook coaches from various countries to acquire their experience with supervising Lifebook meetings. Working and sharing in a group with others whom a child can relate to is an important active factor of the intervention. Other possible active factor is the overall structure of the coaches manual and the Lifebook. The main obstacle was the illiteracy of some children in a group. The coaches modified the meetings due to their cultural beliefs in small ways, mainly by adding or excluding certain activities.