Abstract
Parenting a child with a long-term condition can impact upon the parents’ own well-being as well as their child’s. This thesis aims to explore psychological interventions to support this population.
Part one evaluates the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of workshops for parents of children with four long-term conditions: asthma, cancer, diabetes (Type I) and food allergy. This workshop aimed to reduce intergenerational transmission of anxiety in the context of the long-term condition. Results suggested that this workshop is acceptable and feasible. Analysis of this workshops preliminary effectiveness also suggest that it can reduce parental anxiety, child anxiety for children aged 6.5-16, and improve quality of life for children aged 8-12.
Part two presents a meta-analysis and systematic review of the literature concerning psychological interventions to support parents who have a child with asthma. Results suggest that psychological interventions can improve parents’ sense of self-efficacy, confidence and sense of control in the short term, as well as their emotional distress in both the short and long term. There was no evidence from the meta-analysis that these interventions lead to significant improvements in quality of life or long-term self-efficacy, confidence and sense of control. Tentative conclusions about the reason for this are discussed however further research is required in this area.