A Pilot Study of a Group Program Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Support Adults with Special Needs and Their Caregivers

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore the effects and feasibility of a group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT program for families of individuals with special health care needs. Parenting children with special needs can be stressful and impact caregivers mental health, while individuals with special needs may struggle with the mismatch between their requirements and typical practices around them. The study focuses on promoting psychological flexibility, which supports value-guided living despite distressing thoughts or feelings. Participants will receive Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a well-established behavioral psychotherapy adapted for families of individuals with special health care needs. The intervention is delivered in a group format tailored to these families. This pilot study evaluates how this therapy influences psychological flexibility and wellbeing over a six-week treatment period. During the study, participants will be assessed at baseline and at two, four, and six weeks into treatment. Researchers will measure changes in psychological flexibility, psychological inflexibility, psychological wellbeing, and parenting stress using standardized inventories and scales. Child behavior and participants satisfaction and personal experiences with the program will also be evaluated. The study includes follow-up assessments within six weeks after completing treatment to understand the interventions impact.

A Pilot Study on an ACT-Based Program for Individuals With Special Needs and Their Caregivers