ACT psychoeducation for parents of children with health conditions

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychoeducation Single Session Intervention on Childhood Anxiety for Care Givers of Children with Long Term Health Conditions: A Quantitative Feasibility Study

• IRAS ID

  349484

• Contact name

  Harriet Leader-White

• Contact email

  h.leader-white@uea.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of East Anglia

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 6 months, 0 days

• Research summary

  Research shows that children with long-term health conditions (LTHCs) are more likely to develop psychiatric symptoms (NICE, 2019), particularly anxiety disorders (Tegethoff et al, 2015). Due to the high prevalence amongst this population, effective psychological support is needed. This study aims to create an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), single-session video for caregivers of children with LTHCs. The project involves video development alongside PPI input. The video will include psychoeducation on ACT and approaches caregivers can use to support their child’s anxiety. Since video creation is central, only a content plan exists so far. Participants will receive a handout summarizing strategies covered.
  This feasibility study will assess whether the video can be used and guide future research.
  Participants—caregivers of children (aged 5-12) with LTHCs—will complete two surveys, watch the video, then complete another. Two weeks later, they will repeat one survey and complete one other. Analysis will report frequencies (e.g., recruitment/drop-out rates) and ratings of statements based on participant views. Average scores before and after the videos will be compared to measure changes in views and whether they implemented learned strategies.

  National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (2019). Transforming Mental Health Care for Children and Young People with Long-Term Conditions: Mental Health and Psychological Wellbeing Drop-In Centre.
  Tegethoff, M., Belardi, A., Stalujanis, E., & Meinlschmidt, G. (2015). Association between mental disorders and physical diseases in adolescents from a nationally representative cohort. Psychosomatic Medicine, 77(3), 319-332.

• REC name

  South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/SW/0067

• Date of REC Opinion

  19 Aug 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion