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

NCT07738289 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 20

Last updated 2026-07-31

No results posted yet for this study

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.

Conditions

  • Psychological Resilience
  • Family Functioning

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Structured Group Therapy

Intervention Description Participants assigned to the intervention group received an eight-session manualized group therapy program, delivered once weekly in face-to-face group sessions by a licensed social worker. Each session lasted approximately 90-120 minutes and followed a structured protocol designed to enhance resilience and family functioning among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities. The intervention integrated psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness-based practices, relaxation exercises, self-compassion training, strengths-based approaches, and group process interventions. The sessions addressed (1) group cohesion and psychological safety, (2) emotional awareness and expression, (3) acceptance and stress management, (4) cognitive reframing and family adaptation, (5) self-compassion and realistic expectations, (6) social support and awareness of personal needs, (7) integration of therapeutic gains into daily life, and program review, evalua

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Sinop University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
FEMALE
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2023-12-18
Primary Completion
2024-02-08
Completion
2024-05-20

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07738289 on ClinicalTrials.gov