Table 2.

Study characteristics of included studies

Author/sCountryChronic condition of childMain aimsStress assessment used in this reviewNo. of participants
(I: Intervention; C: Control)
GenderStudy typeIntervention typeDeliveryDuration
Douma et al. (2021) NetherlandsAsthma, epilepsy, T1D, irritable bowel disorder, kidney diseaseEvaluate the efficacy of Op Koers online for parents of children with a chronic illness, in terms of anxiety and depression, and disease-related coping skillsHADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale)39 (I)
34 (C)
100% (I) Female
97% (C) Female
3% (C) Male
RCTCBT/ACT techniques
(Op Koers Online)
Registered and published
(Douma et al., 2021)
Online group intervention4–6 weeks
Jin et al. (2023) ChinaCancerAssess feasibility of ACT and intervention potential in reducing 5 psychological distress and improving quality of life for parentsDASS21 (Depression, Anxiety Stress Scale – total DASS21 score)20 (I)
20 (C)
80% Female
20% Male
Pilot RCTACT
Registered
Face to face in ward OR Synchronised video (sessions 2–4)4–6 weeks
Joosten et al. (2024) NetherlandsCancerEvaluate the effect of Op Koers Online on psychosocial well-being and coping skills of parentsDT-P (Distress Thermometer for Parents)43 (I)
46 (C)
93% (I) Female
80.4% (C) Female
7% (I) Male
19.6% (C) Male
RCTCBT/ACT techniques
(Op Koers)
Registered and published
(Douma et al., 2021)
Online group intervention6 weeks
Kohut et al., 2021 CanadaInflammatory bowel disease (IBD)Test feasibility and acceptability of three session online parent workshop based on ACT, and address concerns about eating well and nutrition in IBDDASS21
(Depression, Anxiety Stress Scale – stress component only)
37 (I)86% Female
15% Male
Feasibility studyACT – incorporated elements of self-compassion
(iACT-P)
Not registered or published
Three weekly videoconferencing sessions3 weeks
Lappalainen et al. (2021) FinlandAutism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hypoactivity disorder, diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, coronary diseases, muscle diseasesEfficacy of two differently delivered ACT interventions in enhancing psychological well-being of parentsSMBQ (Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire)57 (I)
53 (C)
93.6% Female
6.4% Male
RCTACT – incorporated elements of self-compassion (Uupu)
Registered
Web-program via modules and three online meetings with a psychologist10 weeks
McMillan et al. (2022) AustraliaCerebral palsyFeasibility and acceptability of ACT and impact of intervention on parents’ mental health and quality of lifePCL-5 (Post-traumatic symptom checklist)15 (I)
12 (C)
77% Female
23% Male
Feasibility studyACT – incorporated elements of self-compassion
(Take a breath)
Registered
Online videoconference group intervention4–6 weeks
Muscara et al. (2020) AustraliaLife-threatening illness or injury (admitted to the oncology or cardiology department or pediatric intensive care unit of hospitalEfficacy potential of ACT intervention in reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms in parentsPCL-5 (Post-traumatic symptom checklist)
DASS21 (Depression Anxiety and Stress – stress component only)
37 (I)
44 (C)
83.8% (I) Female
16.2% (I) Male
22.7% (C) Male
77.3% (C) Female
RCTACT – incorporated elements of self-compassion
(Take a breath)
Registered and Published (Rayner et al., 2016a, 2016b)
Online videoconference group intervention4–6 weeks
Rayner et al. (2016a, 2016b) AustraliaFirst presentation of cancer diagnosis or requiring life-saving cardiac surgeryFeasibility and potential effectiveness of videoconferencing ACT group parent intervention to measure changes in parent distress and psychological functioningPCL-5 (Post-traumatic symptom checklist)
DASS21
(Depression Anxiety Stress Scale – stress component only)
13 (I)100% FemaleFeasibility studyACT
(Take a breath)
Registered
Online videoconference group intervention4 sessions weekly with a fifth booster session delivered following 1 month
Sairanen et al. (2019) SwedenType 1 diabetes, chromosomal abnormality or genetic disorder, hypoxic-ischemic brain damage, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Motor Disorders, Development DisabilityEfficacy of ACT intervention in improving emotional availability and parent and child adjustmentSMBQ (Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire
DASS21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale – stress component only)
37 (I)
37 (C)
89% (I) Females
73% (C) Females
RCTACT – incorporated elements of self-compassion
(ACTPARENTS)
(Not registered or published)
Web based intervention guided by personal coach (i.e. undergraduate psychology students)10 weeks
Whittingham et al. (2022) AustraliaCerebral palsyEfficacy of ACT intervention on burnout and psychological symptoms and processes in parentsDASS21 (Depression, Anxiety Stress Scale – stress component only)37 (I)
30 (C)
100% (C) Female
89% (I) Female
RCTACT – incorporated elements of self-compassion
(PACT)
Registered and Published (Whittingham et al., 2022)
Online/ intervention delivered via modules with parents participating in moderated discussion board4–6 weeks
Source(s): Authors’ own work

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