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In this together: Parental experiences with internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for childhood functional
Laura Amalie Poulsen Dam1,2, Stina Lou2,3, Eva Skovslund Nielsen1,2
1Aarhus University Hospital Psychiatry, Denmark.
Insights
Parents found internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) meaningful for their children's functional abdominal pain disorders. Despite challenges, parents navigated new roles and achieved a more balanced family life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Digital Health Interventions
- Family Therapy
Background:
- Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) is increasingly utilized for pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs).
- Limited research exists on parental experiences with ICBT for FAPDs.
- Understanding parental perspectives is crucial for optimizing treatment delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore parents' lived experiences receiving ICBT for their children's FAPDs.
- To identify key themes related to parental understanding and role adjustment during ICBT.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing reflexive thematic analysis.
- Semi-structured interviews conducted with 14 parents (from nine families).
- Exploration of parental experiences with ICBT delivered alongside their children.
Main Results:
- Parents' pre-existing beliefs about psychological factors influenced their acceptance of ICBT.
- Two major themes emerged: 'Parental illness understanding' and 'Redefining various parental roles'.
- Parents reported significant emotional challenges and role shifts, ultimately moving towards a more balanced family dynamic.
Conclusions:
- Parental understanding of FAPDs impacts engagement with ICBT.
- Navigating parental roles during ICBT can be demanding but leads to positive adaptation.
- Integrating relatable narratives in parent programs can validate parental experiences and emotions.
Abstract:
The use of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) is gaining traction. It is shown to be effective for pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs), yet little is known about parents' experiences with this approach. Through nine interviews with 14 parents, we explored their experiences with receiving ICBT alongside their children. We developed two themes through reflexive thematic analysis: "Parental illness understanding," examining parents' understandings of their child's symptoms, and "Redefining various parental roles," describing how parents navigated and redefined their roles throughout treatment. Parents suspected a psychological component in their child's symptoms before ICBT, which shaped their perception of ICBT as meaningful. While navigating parental roles was demanding and emotionally taxing, involving feelings of guilt and doubt, parents described a shift from chaos to a more balanced life. To validate these experiences, we recommend integrating a relatable fictional case into parent programs to acknowledge parental emotions.
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