ACT groups for caregivers of children with LD: feasibility study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Caregivers of Children with Learning Disabilities: a mixed methods feasibility study.
IRAS ID
346339
Contact name
James Rann
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Plymouth
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 11 days
Research summary
An NHS service for children with learning disabilities is going to be using a six-week therapeutic group programme for parents and caregivers of children with additional needs, to help support their wellbeing and coping. The groups are based on a therapeutic approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT aims to help people stay focused on the present moment and accept thoughts and feelings without judgement. There is evidence that has shown ACT can be helpful for people with a range of mental health conditions such as stress and anxiety, and can also help individuals who either have, or look after, someone with a lifelong condition, such as a learning disability.
We would like to study whether these groups are feasible to run, if they are helpful for caregivers, and whether engaging in the groups can lead to changes in something called 'psychological flexibility'. Psychology flexibility is the ability to be in contact with the present and act on long-term goals rather than short-term urges. Increasing psychological flexibility can help people to adapt to changes in their environment and create new, healthy ways that align with a person’s goals and values. This can lead to an overall increase in someone's emotional wellbeing. We also want to understand whether a caregivers' experiences of being cared for, and of giving care to their child, has an effect on their response to the groups.
We will ask caregivers who are taking part in the groups to complete several questionnaires before and after the group programme, to help understand if they found the groups helpful and if they experienced changes in psychological flexibility. Group attendees will also be invited to complete a thirty-minute interview following the groups to find out more about their experience of doing the groups, and recommendations for future groups.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/WM/0256
Date of REC Opinion
18 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion