Video-conferencing therapy for parents of children with special needs
Effectiveness of Video-conferencing Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Compared With Standard Parenting Advice for Parents of Young Children With Special Needs: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This study is testing if video therapy can help parents of children with special needs feel less stressed, anxious, and depressed.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 253 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06262646 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT) delivered through videoconferencing for parents of children with special needs. The study aims to reduce parental stress, depression, and anxiety while enhancing psychological flexibility. Participants will be assessed at baseline, after the intervention (4-8 weeks), and at a 6-month follow-up to measure outcomes. The trial builds on previous research, addressing limitations by increasing sample size and employing rigorous methodologies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Cantonese-speaking parents aged 21 or older who are the primary caregivers of preschool or school-aged children diagnosed with special needs.
Not a fit: Parents with severe mental illness, those who are pregnant, less than six months postpartum, or have developmental disabilities that hinder comprehension of the program will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and well-being of parents caring for children with special needs.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary findings from a feasibility trial suggest that similar approaches have potential, but this study aims to provide more definitive evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Language and Residency: Must be a Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong resident aged 21 years or older. * Child's age and health status: Must be cohabiting with a preschool or school-aged child (2-9 years old) diagnosed with or suspected of having special needs. * Caregiver role: Must be the primary caregiver responsible for daily care for the child. * Technology access: Must have daily access to a smartphone, with either an iPhone or Android operating system, to participate in the study and for potential app-based interventions or communications. Exclusion Criteria: * Any parents with severe mental illness, are pregnant, are less than six months postpartum, or have a developmental disability that interferes with their ability to comprehend the programme's content.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yuen Yu CHONG, PhD
- Email: conniechong@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: (852) 3943 0665
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.