A Pilot Study of an Attachment-Based Parenting Intervention for Mandarin-Speaking Families in Canada

ObjectivesTo address the gap in accessibility of mental health services for Mandarin-speaking families in Canada, this study evaluated the uptake, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of Connect for Mandarin Speaking Families, a culturally-inclusive and attachment-focused parenting program designed to promote youth and family wellbeing.MethodsParticipants were 17 birth and 1 kinship immigrant parents from China to Canada (age 39-69, M_age = 49.42, SD = 7.25; 14 mothers; 4 fathers) seeking support for concerns about their children's mental health problems (age 12-18, M_age = 14.44, SD = 1.80; 27.8% male, 72.2% female). Parents completed self-report pre- and post-measures assessing their child's mental health and evaluated the perceived fit and helpfulness of the program in this single-arm pilot study.ResultsPreliminary evidence was found for the program's effectiveness in reducing adolescent emotional and behavioural problems and improving family satisfaction. Importantly, parent attendance and retention were high (85%), and parents reported the program was very helpful and a good fit with their cultural values.ConclusionsThis pilot study is among the first to evaluate a culturally-inclusive, attachment-based parenting intervention for Chinese immigrant families in Canada, delivered in their native language. Future research with larger samples and further adaptations to address immigrant-specific family challenges is warranted.