Parenting intervention combined with acceptance and commitment therapy: A trial with families of children with cerebral palsy

Abstract:

Objective  

To examine the effects of Stepping Stones Triple P (SSTP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on child functioning, quality of life, and parental adjustment. 

Method  

67 parents (97.0% mothers) of children (64.2% male; mean age 5.3 ± 3.0 years) with cerebral palsy participated in a randomized controlled trial with three groups: wait-list control, SSTP, and SSTP + ACT. This article details the secondary outcomes. 

 Results  

In comparison with wait-list, the SSTP + ACT group showed increased functional performance and quality of life as well as decreased parental psychological symptoms. No differences were found for parental confidence. No differences were found between SSTP and wait-list or between SSTP and SSTP + ACT.  

Conclusions  

ACT-integrated parenting intervention may be an effective way to target child functioning, quality of life, and parental adjustment.