An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Psychoeducation Single Session Intervention on Childhood Anxiety for Carers of Children With a Long-Term Health Condition

Overview

The goal of this feasibility study was to assess the acceptability and feasibility of the ACT-based training package for carers of children with a long-term health condition (LTHC) who also experience anxiety. The main aims were to answer: Is the intervention feasible? Is the intervention acceptable? The secondary aim were to answer: Does the intervention impact how carers approach and manage their child's anxiety? Participants completed two questionnaires, prior to watching the online training videos. They were then asked to complete another questionnaire. Two weeks later, participants were contacted via email to complete two questionnaires, one of which was a repeat from prior to completing the training.

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a newly developed, single-session, online psychoeducational training designed to support caregivers in managing their child's anxiety associated with their long-term health condition (LTHC). The study also explored preliminary changes in caregiver knowledge and approaches to managing anxiety following the intervention. This study used a quantitative, within-subjects feasibility design. Caregivers of children aged 5-12 years with a diagnosed long-term health condition were recruited. All participants received the intervention, with no control group. The intervention consisted of a 22-minute online training package delivered via three videos. The content is based on ACT principles and includes psychoeducation about anxiety, ACT-based metaphors and exercises to consider using with their child. The material in the training was specifically designed to support children with a LTHC, rather than generic support for anxiety. Participants completed measures prior to the intervention, including a demographic questionnaire and the Parent Attitudes, Beliefs and Understanding about Anxiety (PABUA). Immediately following the training, participants completed a structured feedback questionnaire assessing the acceptability and accessibility of the intervention. Two weeks after completing the training, participants were invited via email to complete follow-up measures, including a repeat of the PABUA and a follow-up feedback questionnaire to assess use and perceived usefulness of the strategies. Feasibility outcomes include recruitment rates, retention rates, and participant-reported acceptability of the intervention and study procedures. Secondary outcomes include changes in caregiver knowledge, beliefs, and confidence in managing their child's anxiety (measured by the PABUA).