Acceptability and preliminary outcomes of an acceptance and commitment therapy group for parents of adolescents with...

Parents of adolescents with Type 1 diabetes typically experience distress and changes in their parent-child relationships, which can influence overall diabetes management. This study assesses the acceptability and preliminary outcomes of a four-session acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) group intervention for parents of adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.

In total, 10 parents of adolescents (aged 13-18 years old) completed a four-session ACT group intervention, with seven mothers and one father completing written feedback and quantitative measures. Written feedback from parents and facilitators was collected to assess the acceptability of the group and its strengths and shortcomings. Participants completed the following quantitative measures: the Parent Diabetes Distress Scale to assess diabetes-related distress including parent-child relationship distress and the Valued Living Questionnaire to assess adherence to personal values.

Overall, written feedback indicated high acceptability of the group to both parents and facilitators, with most parents recommending it to peers. Postintervention, there were trends toward distress reduction in each domain of the Parent Diabetes Distress Scale, except personal distress. Higher scores in valued-based living were also indicated postintervention for most parents, suggesting parents were living more in line with their values.

This study demonstrated the acceptability of an ACT group as an intervention for parents of adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. The quantitative findings, supplemented by written feedback, indicated that ACT principles may help parents shift focus onto their values around parenting and caregiving and support the parent-child relationship. Potential adaptations are discussed to further develop the intervention and reduce participant dropout. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).