The effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on depression in parents of children with special needs: a meta-analysis
PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in alleviating depressive symptoms among parents of children with special needs. Additionally, it examined the moderating effects of geographic and cultural contexts, intervention parameters, and types o...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1590489/full |
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| author | Wei Wang Haoran He |
| author_facet | Wei Wang Haoran He |
| author_sort | Wei Wang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in alleviating depressive symptoms among parents of children with special needs. Additionally, it examined the moderating effects of geographic and cultural contexts, intervention parameters, and types of children’s diseases.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria were: (1) peer-reviewed studies published in English, (2) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), (3) ACT as the core intervention, (4) participation by parents of children with special needs, and (5) reporting of standardized effect sizes for depressive symptoms. A total of 12 studies (n = 746) met the eligibility criteria. A fixed-effects model was employed for the meta-analysis, and subgroup analyses were conducted based on geographic distribution, intervention duration, intervention parameters, and types of children’s diseases (neurodevelopmental disorders, chronic illnesses, or severe conditions).ResultsACT significantly reduced depressive symptoms (SMD = −0.36, 95% CI [−0.51, −0.22], p < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses indicated that the parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders or chronic illnesses, the national context, and the frequency of intervention were key sources of heterogeneity in treatment outcomes.ConclusionThe synthesized evidence suggests that ACT is particularly beneficial for parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and chronic illnesses. A recommended intervention duration of 4–8 weeks (≥35 min per session, 1–2 sessions per week) is optimal, and the effect may be the most significant in areas with a well-developed welfare system. Future studies should prioritize the development of culturally adapted intervention modules and explore digital health platforms to enhance accessibility. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9a373b3cb839437983aaeb32dbde38aa |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1664-1078 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
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| series | Frontiers in Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-9a373b3cb839437983aaeb32dbde38aa2025-08-20T02:36:07ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-07-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.15904891590489The effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on depression in parents of children with special needs: a meta-analysisWei Wang0Haoran He1Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing, ChinaSchool of Physical Education and Training, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, ChinaPurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in alleviating depressive symptoms among parents of children with special needs. Additionally, it examined the moderating effects of geographic and cultural contexts, intervention parameters, and types of children’s diseases.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria were: (1) peer-reviewed studies published in English, (2) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), (3) ACT as the core intervention, (4) participation by parents of children with special needs, and (5) reporting of standardized effect sizes for depressive symptoms. A total of 12 studies (n = 746) met the eligibility criteria. A fixed-effects model was employed for the meta-analysis, and subgroup analyses were conducted based on geographic distribution, intervention duration, intervention parameters, and types of children’s diseases (neurodevelopmental disorders, chronic illnesses, or severe conditions).ResultsACT significantly reduced depressive symptoms (SMD = −0.36, 95% CI [−0.51, −0.22], p < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses indicated that the parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders or chronic illnesses, the national context, and the frequency of intervention were key sources of heterogeneity in treatment outcomes.ConclusionThe synthesized evidence suggests that ACT is particularly beneficial for parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and chronic illnesses. A recommended intervention duration of 4–8 weeks (≥35 min per session, 1–2 sessions per week) is optimal, and the effect may be the most significant in areas with a well-developed welfare system. Future studies should prioritize the development of culturally adapted intervention modules and explore digital health platforms to enhance accessibility.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1590489/fullacceptance and commitment therapyparents of children with special needsdepressionmeta-analysismeta-regression |
| spellingShingle | Wei Wang Haoran He The effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on depression in parents of children with special needs: a meta-analysis Frontiers in Psychology acceptance and commitment therapy parents of children with special needs depression meta-analysis meta-regression |
| title | The effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on depression in parents of children with special needs: a meta-analysis |
| title_full | The effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on depression in parents of children with special needs: a meta-analysis |
| title_fullStr | The effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on depression in parents of children with special needs: a meta-analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | The effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on depression in parents of children with special needs: a meta-analysis |
| title_short | The effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on depression in parents of children with special needs: a meta-analysis |
| title_sort | effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on depression in parents of children with special needs a meta analysis |
| topic | acceptance and commitment therapy parents of children with special needs depression meta-analysis meta-regression |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1590489/full |
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