Explanations for the Success of Video Interaction Guidance (VIG)

Video interaction guidance (VIG) is an effective method for family work that is increasingly popular in clinical practice in several European countries. However, the factors that explain the success of this method are still unclear. This research provides a first contribution to fill this gap, by exploring the explanations of those who directly experience VIG. Five client families, three VIG professionals, and five VIG supervisors participated in the study. Content analysis of 15 therapeutic sessions, interviews, and focus groups was carried out. Results suggest that VIG improves family happiness, parental self-esteem and self-efficacy, and attitude–behavior change due to four key methodological components of VIG: (a) the professional’s reception and support, (b) the videoed interaction, (c) the success-focused approach, and (d) the video as a proof of success and change and two key underlying mechanisms of VIG success: (a) the metacognitive processes and (b) the shared construction of a new reality. The identified factors were integrated in a model, aiming to explain the success of VIG in the context of family psychotherapy.