The Effectiveness of Self-Compassion-Based Parenting Training on Behavioral Problems and Self-Concept in Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disability

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of self- compassion-based parenting training on behavioral problems and self-concept challenges in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by using a pretest, posttest, and follow-up experimental research design. The statistical population included all mothers who had IDD children and were living in Qom in the academic year of 2017-2018. First, the subjects were screened on the basis of inclusion criteria, then 30 participants were selected and randomly assigned to the experimental and control group (15 subjects in each group). Mothers in the experimental group received 8 sessions of intervention, and the control group received no intervention. Research instruments used in this research were the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Rosenberg self-esteem scale (SES). The scales were administered to the subjects in all three stages. The results were analyzed using the repeated measures ANOVA method, and showed that there was a significant difference between the experimental group and the control group in terms of the variables related to behavioral problems and self-concept in children with IDD. According to the results, compassion-based parenting education seems to be an effective intervention for improving the parenting skills of mothers who have children with intellectual and developmental disability by reducing their behavioral problems and having a positive effect on their self-concept.

Keywords

• self-compassion-based parenting
• behavioral problems
• self-concept
• intellectual and developmental disabilities