Objective To research whether systemic family therapy is a useful intervention for behavioral problems. Methods Two hundred and seventy six children who were in the fourth grade of elementary school were assessed by family dynamics questionnaires and their parents were tested by Achenbach Child Behavioral Checklist. Fifty-seven children with behavioral problems were divided into two groups: 20 children and their parents agreed to receive systemic therapy for four weeks and 37 children and their parents who refused this therapy formed the control group.All children and their parents were reassessed after four months. Data were analyzed by SPSS 11.5. Results The characteristics of family dymanmic and children’s behavior improved significantly after systemic therapy. The "depressing and hostile family" at mosphere became "harmonious and open" (P=0.000) and this was also significantly better than the control group after therapy(P=0.000). "Self-differentiation of family members" was significantly improved after therapy (P=0.000) and also was significantly better than the control group after therapy (P=0.005). "Patient is helpless victim" changed to "Patient can do something" (P=0.000) and this was significantly better than the control group after therapy (P=0.003) . Total CBCL score decreased in the treatment group after therapy (P=0.003 for father, P=0.000 for mother). Compared with the control group. Total CBCL score also showed decreases (P=0.033 for father, P=0.014 for mother). Conclusions The techniques of systemic family therapy are practical and effective methods to intervene children’s behavioral problems.
