The efficacy of WeChat-based parenting training on the psychological well-being of mothers with autistic children during the COVID-19 pandemic: A quasi-experimental study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, special education schools for children in most areas of China were closed between the end of January and the beginning of June in 2020. The sudden interruptions of schooling and the pandemic itself caused parents to be anxious and to even panic. Mobile parenting skills education has been proved to be an effective method in improving the psychological well-being of mothers with autistic children. However, whether it can improve the psychological states of mothers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is an urgent subject to be investigated. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of WeChat-based parenting training (WBPT) on anxiety, depression, parenting stress, and hope for mothers with autistic children as well as the feasibility of the program during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This was a quasi-experimental trial. A total of 125 mothers with preschool autistic children were recruited in January 2020. The participants were assigned into the control group (n=60), receiving routine care, or the intervention group (n=65), receiving the 12-week WBPT plus routine care according to their preferences. Anxiety, depression, parenting stress, hope, satisfaction, and adherence to the intervention were measured at three timepoints: the baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 20 weeks follow-up (T2). RESULTS One hundred and nine mothers completed the T1 assessment and 104 mothers completed the T2 assessment. The results of the linear mixed model analysis showed statistically significant group*time interaction effects for the intervention on anxiety (F=11.520, P<.001), depression (F=19.850, P<.001), parenting stress (F=76.725, P<.001), and hope (F=198.866, P<.001). Of all mothers in the intervention group, 90.4% reported that they were extremely satisfied with the WBPT. In total, 40.0% kept the logging recordings for home training each week and 61.5% kept more than 80% for all 20 weeks. CONCLUSIONS The WBPT is acceptable and appears to be an effective approach for reducing anxiety, depression, and parenting stress and increasing hope in mothers with autistic children during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies with rigorous designs and longer follow-up periods are needed to further detect the effectiveness of the WBPT. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000031772; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=52165.

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The Efficacy of WeChat-Based Parenting Training on the Psychological Well-being of Mothers With Children With Autism During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Quasi-Experimental Study

JMIR Mental Health ◽

10.2196/23917 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. e23917

Author(s):

Guihua Liu ◽

Shuo Wang ◽

Jinhua Liao ◽

Ping Ou ◽

Longsheng Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parenting Stress ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Children With Autism ◽

Well Being ◽

Routine Care ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Parenting Training ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Anxiety Depression

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, special education schools for children in most areas of China were closed between the end of January and the beginning of June in 2020. The sudden interruption in schooling and the pandemic itself caused parents to be anxious and even to panic. Mobile-based parenting skills education has been demonstrated to be an effective method for improving the psychological well-being of mothers with children with autism. However, whether it can improve the psychological states of mothers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is a subject that should be urgently investigated. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of WeChat-based parenting training on anxiety, depression, parenting stress, and hope in mothers with children with autism, as well as the feasibility of the program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This was a quasi-experimental trial. A total of 125 mothers with preschool children with autism were recruited in January 2020. The participants were assigned to the control group (n=60), in which they received routine care, or the intervention group (n=65), in which they received the 12-week WeChat-based parenting training plus routine care, according to their preferences. Anxiety, depression, parenting stress, hope, satisfaction, and adherence to the intervention were measured at three timepoints: baseline (T0), postintervention (T1), and a 20-week follow-up (T2). Results In total, 109 mothers completed the T1 assessment and 104 mothers completed the T2 assessment. The results of the linear mixed model analysis showed statistically significant group × time interaction effects for the intervention on anxiety (F=14.219, P<.001), depression (F=26.563, P<.001), parenting stress (F=68.572, P<.001), and hope (F=197.608, P<.001). Of all mothers in the intervention group, 90.4% (48.8/54) reported that they were extremely satisfied with the WeChat-based parenting training. In total, 40.0% (26/65) logged their progress in home training each week and 61.5% (40/65) logged their progress more than 80% of the time for all 20 weeks. Conclusions The WeChat-based parenting training is acceptable and appears to be an effective approach for reducing anxiety, depression, and parenting stress, as well as increasing hope in mothers with children with autism during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies with rigorous designs and longer follow-up periods are needed to further detect the effectiveness of the WeChat-based parenting training. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000031772; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=52165

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The Effect of Happiness Training on Psychological Well-Being in Patients with Thalassemia Major

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal [SQUMJ] ◽

10.18295/squmj.8.2021.109 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad S. Sargolzaei ◽

Milad G. Shirsavar ◽

Jasem Allahyari ◽

Ali Bazi ◽

Abolghasem P. Nasirabady

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Thalassemia Major ◽

Routine Care ◽

Control Group ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

And Control

Objectives: Thalassemia major (TM) is a chronic hematological disease that can have deep effects on patients’ mental health and psychological well-being. So, the present study was conducted to determine the effects of happiness training on the psychological well-being of TM patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental study with a pre/post-test design was performed on 52 patients with TM in Zabol city (Iran) from August to December 2020. The patients were randomly categorized into experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, happiness training was performed in eight sessions, each for 60 minutes. The control group received routine care. The data collection tool was the Ryff's Scale of Psychological Well-being (RSPWB). Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 statistical software using descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential (paired and independent t-test) statistics. Results: Regarding the psychological well-being score at the pre-test stage, there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention (74.92 ± 6.36) and control (74.57 ± 5.83) groups (p = 0.83). After the intervention; however, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of psychological well-being (p <0.001). Also, a statistically significant difference was seen comparing the psychological well-being score between the pre- and post-intervention phases in the experimental (p = 0.01) but not control (p = 0.12) group. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that happiness training improved TM patients’ psychological well-being. Therefore, this type of training can be used as an appropriate educational strategy to improve psychological well-being in these patients.Keywords: Happiness; Education; Mental Health; Thalassemia.

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The Effectiveness of a Meaning-Centered Psychoeducational Group Intervention for Chinese College Students

Social Behavior and Personality An International Journal ◽

10.2224/sbp.2015.43.5.741 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 43 (5) ◽

pp. 741-756 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Mingming Cheng ◽

Leslie Hasche ◽

Haitao Huang ◽

Xiqing Susan Su

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Group Intervention ◽

Meaning In Life ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Chinese College Students ◽

Psychoeducational Group

Using a sample of 66 Chinese college students, we measured the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a meaning-centered psychoeducational group intervention in increasing the level of their psychological well-being. The students were assigned to either a control or an intervention group, and those in the intervention group attended 9 weekly meaning-centered psychoeducational sessions. All participants completed baseline, posttest, and 3-month follow-up tests to compare the level of psychological well-being of the intervention and control groups. With the exception of the life enjoyment dimension in the Chinese Sources of Meaning in Life Scale (CSMLS), the scores of the intervention group differed significantly from the control group between the baseline and the posttest, and for the subscales of depression and sense of adequacy (General Health Questionnaire), search for meaning (Meaning in Life Questionnaire), and the dimensions of social concern, personal growth, and harmonious relationships (CSMLS), the scores at the follow-up test time indicated the effectiveness of the group intervention. These findings highlight the effectiveness of a meaning-centered group intervention in improving college students' psychological well-being and positive perception of meaning in life.

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Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Retreat on Distress and Well-Being in Bereaved Parents

Research on Social Work Practice ◽

10.1177/1049731520921242 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (7) ◽

pp. 770-782

Author(s):

Kara Thieleman ◽

Joanne Cacciatore

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Group Differences ◽

Significant Group ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Bereaved Parents ◽

Quasi Experimental

Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a grief-focused mindfulness-based retreat on psychological distress (trauma, anxiety, and depression) and well-being (mindfulness and self-compassion) in bereaved parents. Method: A quasi-experimental design with two nonequivalent groups (intervention, comparison) and three observations was used. Results: Mixed-model repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant reductions in distress at posttest in the intervention group, with significant group differences on four of the seven scales. While reductions were maintained at follow-up, group differences were only significant for one trauma subscale. The intervention group showed significant increases in two of the four mindfulness facets (describe and act with awareness) and self-compassion at posttest, although group differences were not significant and gains were not maintained at follow-up. A third mindfulness facet, nonjudge, increased significantly at follow-up, with significant group differences. Discussion: This approach shows promise for reducing some areas of distress and improving the nonjudging mindfulness facet in bereaved parents.

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Social groupwork for promoting psychological well-being of adolescents enrolled in sponsorship programs

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.52532.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 520

Author(s):

Shinto Joseph ◽

Dr. Sheeja Remani B Karalam

Keyword(s):

Comparison Group ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

P Value ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Development Interventions ◽

Post Test ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

And Behavior ◽

Child Sponsorship

Background: The dearth of data on adolescents highlighted in the UN’s data disaggregation against the agenda ‘no one left behind’ calls for research on ‘the second decade’. Moreover, India is a country with the world’s largest adolescent population, and as such, studies and policies for developing competencies of adolescents are crucial to the country’s development; interventions instilling confidence to aspire to a better future in underprivileged adolescents are vital to mitigate inequity. Methods: This intervention study adopted a quasi-experimental design to measure the effectiveness of social groupwork in raising the psychological well-being of adolescents in child sponsorship programs in Kerala. Forty adolescents from a Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) center in Kochi were recruited for the study. Those suggested by the CSP center considering their poor academic performance and behavior problems were allocated to the intervention group and the rest to the comparison group. The intervention was designed in response to the information garnered through a preliminary study and administered to the intervention group (n=20). We conducted pre-test and post-test for both the intervention group and comparison group (n=20). Results: Comparison between pre- and post-measurements carried out using paired sample t-test for the intervention group and comparison group separately gave a p-value of <0.05 for the intervention group and >0.05 for the comparison group. Thus, it was proved that psychological well-being of participants in the intervention group was raised significantly due to the social group work intervention. Conclusions: Applying refined granularity, this research adds data specifically on adolescents enrolled in child sponsorship programs and sets a blueprint for social groupwork to improve their psychological well-being. Proposing a conceptual framework for child sponsorship programs, this study recommends further research in all aspects of its functioning, and interventions at group, family, and community levels, for the well-being and empowerment of marginalized adolescents.

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A Pilot Study on the Efficacy of Volunteer Mentorship for Young Adults With Self-Harm Behaviors Using a Quasi-Experimental Design

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000393 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 37 (6) ◽

pp. 415-426 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Yik-Wa Law ◽

Paul S. F. Yip ◽

Carmen C. S. Lai ◽

Chi Leung Kwok ◽

Paul W. C. Wong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Experimental Design ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Treatment As Usual ◽

Prevention Services ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Self Harm ◽

Volunteer Support

Abstract. Background: Studies have shown that postdischarge care for self-harm patients is effective in reducing repeated suicidal behaviors. Little is known about whether volunteer support can help reduce self-harm repetition and improve psychosocial well-being. Aim: This study investigated the efficacy of volunteer support in preventing repetition of self-harm. Method: This study used a quasi-experimental design by assigning self-harm patients admitted to the emergency departments to an intervention group with volunteer support and treatment as usual (TAU) for 9 months and to a control group of TAU. Outcome measures include repetition of self-harm, suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and level of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results: A total of 74 cases were recruited (38 participants; 36 controls). There were no significant differences in age, gender, and clinical condition between the two groups at the baseline. The intervention group showed significant improvements in hopelessness and depressive symptoms. However, the number of cases of suicide ideation and of repetition of self-harm episodes was similar for both groups at the postintervention period. Conclusion: Postdischarge care provided by volunteers showed significant improvement in hopelessness and depression. Volunteers have been commonly involved in suicide prevention services. Further research using rigorous methods is recommended for improving service quality in the long term.

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Assessing the impact of the European resilience curriculum in preschool, early and late primary school children

School Psychology International ◽

10.1177/01430343211025075 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 014303432110250

Author(s):

Celeste Simões ◽

Anabela C. Santos ◽

Paula Lebre ◽

João R. Daniel ◽

Cátia Branquinho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Control Group ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Mental Health Difficulties ◽

Prosocial Behaviours ◽

The Impact

Resilience is an individual’s ability to adapt successfully to and persevere during and after significant challenges. Resilience programmes based on a socioemotional learning approach have been associated with an increase in protextive factors (e.g., prosocial competencies), improvements in physical and mental health, and a decrease in internalised and externalised symptoms. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the RESCUR curriculum implemented in Portuguese schools on students’ academic, behavioural, and socioemotional outcomes, based on child and teacher reports. Participants included 1,084 children (53.2% male) aged 3-15 ( M = 7.24, SD = 2.31). A quasi-experimental study compared outcomes for an experimental intervention group (AIG) with a waiting list control group (WG). The results showed the RESCUR programme decreased mental health difficulties while increasing both prosocial behaviours and well-being. In addition, academic performance increased for those in preschool after implementation. Both teachers and children consistently reported positive behavioural changes in resilience-related competencies after implementing RESCUR. Our findings contribute to the recent research on the potential of RESCUR to address key socioemotional competencies and improve relevant protextive factors. Study limitations and future recommendations are addressed.

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Walking for Better Outcomes and Recovery: The Effect of WALK-FOR in Preventing Hospital-Associated Functional Decline Among Older Adults

The Journals of Gerontology Series A ◽

10.1093/gerona/glz025 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 74 (10) ◽

pp. 1664-1670 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Yaniv Cohen ◽

Anna Zisberg ◽

Yehudit Chayat ◽

Nurit Gur-Yaish ◽

Efrat Gil ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Group Intervention ◽

Functional Decline ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Community Mobility ◽

Steps Per Day ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Activity Survey

Abstract Background In-hospital immobility of older adults is associated with hospital-associated functional decline (HAFD). This study examined the WALK-FOR program’s effects on HAFD prevention. Methods A quasi-experimental pre-post two-group (intervention group [IG] n = 188, control group [CG] n = 189) design was applied in two hospital internal medical units. On admission, patients reported pre-hospitalization functional status, which was assessed again at discharge and 1-month follow-up. Primary outcome was decline in basic activities of daily living (BADL), using the Modified Barthel Index. Secondary outcomes were decline in instrumental ADL (Lawton’s IADL scale) and community mobility (Yale Physical Activity Survey). All participants (75.1 ± 7 years old) were cognitively intact and ambulatory at admission. The WALK-FOR included a unit-tailored mobility program utilizing patient-and-staff education with a specific mobility goal (900 steps per day), measured by accelerometer. Results Decline in BADL occurred among 33% of the CG versus 23% of the IG (p = .02) at discharge, and among 43% of the CG versus 30% in the IG (p = .01) at 1-month follow-up. Similarly, 26% of the CG versus 15% of the IG declined in community mobility at 1-month follow-up (p = .01). Adjusted for major covariates, the intervention reduced the odds of decline in BADL by 41% (p = .05) at discharge and by 49% at 1-month follow-up (p = .01), and in community mobility by 63% (p = .02). There was no significant effect of the intervention on IADL decline (p = .19). Conclusions The WALK-FOR intervention is effective in reducing HAFD.

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Jewish Women's Psychological Well-Being: The Role of Attachment, Separation, and Jewish Identity

Psychology of Women Quarterly ◽

10.1111/j.1471-6402.2005.00182.x ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. 197-206 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Julie L. Goldberg ◽

Karen M. O'Brien

Keyword(s):

Jewish Identity ◽

Psychological Functioning ◽

Well Being ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Jewish Women ◽

Late Adolescent ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Separation From Parents ◽

Anxiety Depression

The purpose of this study was to examine the contributions of attachment, separation, and Jewish identity to psychological well-being in a sample of 115 late adolescent Jewish women. Results from multiple regression analyses demonstrated that attachment to parents, separation from parents, and Jewish identity collectively accounted for variance in psychological distress, as measured by anxiety, depression, self-esteem problems, and interpersonal problems. Thus, late adolescent Jewish women's psychological functioning may be fostered by therapeutic interventions addressing their relationships with parents and Jewish identity.

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