Psychological intervention to improve parenting skills for preschool children with mental health issues
A Psychological Intervention for Children's Mental Health Problems or Disorders Based on Parental Reflective Functioning to Enhance Positive Parenting During Adverse Situations
This study tests if a new parenting program can help parents improve their skills to better support preschool children with mental health issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Minho Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Braga, Braga District) |
| Trial ID | NCT05490745 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Skills4Parenting+, a psychological intervention designed for preschool children aged 3 to 6 years who exhibit psychological problems due to adversity. The intervention consists of 6 to 8 weekly sessions focused on enhancing parental reflective functioning and positive parenting skills. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an immediate intervention group or a delayed intervention group, with assessments conducted at multiple time points to measure outcomes. The study seeks to provide a preventive and remedial approach to address the mental health needs of children and their families.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are preschool children aged 3 to 6 years who exhibit psychological problems related to adverse situations and whose parents are willing to participate.
Not a fit: Patients with psychological issues unrelated to adversity, such as autism spectrum disorders or those currently receiving psychological intervention, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and developmental outcomes for preschool children facing adversity.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using similar psychological interventions to enhance parenting skills and improve child mental health outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 3 and 6 years old, inclusive * Signaling in the screening (≥16 in the SDQ total scale) * CBCL (i.e., ≥60 on the Internalizing and/or Externalizing Scale) OR Parents report a high pandemic impact * Parental informed consent and commitment to the planned psychological intervention. * Parent is the child's legal guardian Exclusion Criteria: * Already receiving psychological intervention * Presence of psychological problems not related to an adverse situation or not likely to be monitored within the scope of the proposed intervention (for example, autism spectrum or intellectual development disorders or, domestic violence, neglect or abuse prior to the adverse situation); * Do not speak or understand Portuguese
Where this trial is running
Braga, Braga District
- University of Minho — Braga, Braga District, Portugal (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Bárbara Figueiredo
- Email: bbfi@psi.uminho.pt
- Phone: 939993937
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.