Micro-appreciation 'Three-Things' journal to reduce caregiver stress for mothers of children with autism
The Effect of a Micro-Appreciation Intervention (Three-Things Journal Application) on Caregiver Burden, Family Functioning, and Happiness Levels for Mothers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
This project will test whether keeping a short daily 'three-things' gratitude journal can lower caregiver stress and improve family functioning and happiness for mothers of children with autism.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 126 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Cukurova University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Batman) |
| Trial ID | NCT07124091 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional project uses a positive event writing approach called a 'three-things' journal in which participating mothers briefly record small daily appreciations. Eligible Turkish-speaking mothers of children with autism complete baseline measures of caregiver burden, family functioning, and happiness, then follow the journaling intervention with follow-up assessments to compare change over time. The intervention is brief, low-cost, and delivered through Batman University in Turkey. The study measures whether this micro-appreciation practice produces measurable improvements in psychological well-being and family dynamics.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Turkish-speaking mothers aged 18 or older who have a child with autism and are willing to complete brief daily journaling and questionnaires.
Not a fit: Mothers who cannot read Turkish, do not have a child with special needs, or who require intensive clinical mental health treatment (for example, severe depression) may not receive benefit from this low-intensity intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this brief, low-cost journaling practice could reduce caregiver stress and increase mothers' happiness and family functioning.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research on 'three-good-things' and other positive psychology writing interventions has shown small-to-moderate improvements in well-being, though evidence specifically in mothers of children with autism is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Age 18 years or older * Willing to participate in the study * Able to read and understand Turkish * Being a mother of a child with special needs Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 18 years * Unwilling to participate in the study * Unable to read or understand Turkish * Not having a child with special needs
Where this trial is running
Batman
- Batman University — Batman, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mehmet Emin ŞANLI, Asist.Prof.
- Email: m.emin--4747@hotmail.com
- Phone: 005071510747
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.