Pilot Study of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Reduce Psychological Symptoms and Improve Flexibility in Parents of Children with Medical Complexity

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT-based intervention aimed at reducing psychological symptoms and increasing psychological flexibility among parents of children with medical complexity. These parents often face ongoing stress from managing their childs chronic, complex health conditions and uncertainty about the prognosis. This pilot randomized controlled trial addresses a gap in studies on ACT for Chinese parents in local communities to help them better manage caregiving-related stress and emotions. The study involves two groups one group receives the ACT-based intervention consisting of four weekly face-to-face sessions, each lasting two hours and including a question-and-answer period. The sessions cover topics such as understanding ACT, stress and struggles, role play, mindfulness exercises, and applying personal values to actions. The other group has the option to join usual community social or health care services available to parents of children with medical complexity. Participants will be assessed at the start and after four weeks using the Chinese versions of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and a psychological flexibility measure. The study will monitor changes in psychological symptoms and flexibility. Parents will participate in scheduled sessions and complete questionnaires, with the trial lasting four weeks of intervention plus assessments. The research team will observe feasibility and preliminary effects of the ACT intervention to inform future studies.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based Intervention for Parents of a Child With Medical Complexity