A web-based mental health program: reaching parents at work
Diane K Deitz1, Royer F Cook, Douglas W Billings
1ISA 201 North Union Street, Suite 330, Alexandria, VA, 22314, USA. ddeitz@isagroup.com
Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|October 11, 2008
Summary
Working parents who used a web-based program showed improved knowledge and confidence in addressing youth mental health issues. This digital intervention effectively supports early prevention and intervention strategies for child mental well-being.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Digital Health Interventions
- Parental Mental Health Education
Background:
- Youth mental health challenges require accessible support for parents.
- Working parents often face barriers to accessing traditional mental health resources.
- Early intervention is crucial for positive child mental health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a web-based program designed to equip working parents with knowledge and skills for youth mental health.
- To assess the program's effectiveness in prevention and early intervention of mental health problems in children.
- To determine if a digital platform can enhance parental capacity in child mental health.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 99 parents.
- Assignment to either an experimental group (program use) or a waitlist control group.
- Statistical analysis using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and paired t-tests to compare outcomes.
Main Results:
- Parents in the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater knowledge of youth mental health issues compared to the control group.
- Participants who used the web-based program reported higher self-efficacy in managing youth mental health concerns.
- The program effectively enhanced parents' understanding and confidence in addressing children's mental health.
Conclusions:
- Web-based programs are effective tools for improving parental knowledge and confidence regarding child mental health.
- Digital interventions, including those offered in the workplace, can reach a large number of parents.
- This approach supports scalable and accessible strategies for youth mental health prevention and early intervention.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Community Based Intervention
Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:28Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a versatile, nonmedical approach aimed at helping individuals address emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal issues to enhance their overall well-being. It can involve one-on-one sessions, couples counseling, or small group discussions with a therapist. The therapeutic process includes various techniques such as open discussion, interpretation of thoughts and behaviors, active listening, positive reinforcement, and role modeling. Psychotherapy aims to support individuals in...
01:30Family Therapy
Family therapy conceptualizes psychological challenges as arising from dysfunctional interactions within the family unit, rather than as isolated issues within individuals. This approach seeks to address and transform the patterns of communication, roles, and relationships within families to promote healthier dynamics and emotional well-being for all members.
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy emphasizes resolving communication barriers and improving problem-solving abilities...
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy emphasizes resolving communication barriers and improving problem-solving abilities...
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I
Specialized care settings or centers are situated in convenient locations within the community and offer care to a specific group or population. They consist of daycare facilities, mental health facilities, rural health facilities, educational institutions, industries, shelters for the homeless, and rehabilitation facilities.
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Treatment approaches for psychological disorders fall into three main categories: psychological, biological, and sociocultural. Each approach targets different aspects of mental health, requiring varying levels of education and training.
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...