Clinical Research Directory

Does Group Therapy Improve Resilience and Family Functioning Among Mothers of Children With Intellectual Disabilities?

Sponsor: Sinop University

Summary

Abstract This study examined the effectiveness of a seven-week structured group therapy intervention designed to enhance the psychological resilience and family functioning of mothers of children with intellectual disabilities. A randomized controlled mixed-methods design was employed, involving an intervention group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10). Participants were randomly assigned to study groups through a simple randomization procedure conducted by an independent academic who was not involved in participant recruitment, intervention delivery, or outcome assessment. The intervention consisted of seven weekly face-to-face group sessions, each lasting approximately 90-120 minutes, and was delivered by a licensed social worker using a structured manualized protocol. The program integrated psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness-informed practices, self-compassion exercises, relaxation techniques, strengths-based approaches, and therapeutic group processes. Quantitative outcomes were assessed using the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) and the Family Assessment Device (FAD) at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at a three-month follow-up. The quantitative component employed a two-way mixed-design repeated measures ANOVA to evaluate changes across assessment points. The qualitative component involved the collection of participants' verbal narratives and group interactions throughout the intervention, which were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and group process analysis to explore participants' experiences and therapeutic processes.

Official title: Effectiveness of a Group Therapy Intervention in Enhancing Resilience and Family Functioning Among Mothers of Children With Intellectual Disabilities: A Mixed-Methods Study

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