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SOLACE: a psychosocial stigma protection intervention to improve the mental health of parents of autistic children - A feasibility randomised controlled trial

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well

Abstract

This study presents findings from a feasibility trial, testing an 8-week psychosocial stigma protection intervention (SOLACE) designed to improve the mental health of parents of autistic children. Seventeen parents were stratified then randomly assigned to either SOLACE (n = 9) or control group (n = 8). Retention and adherence rates were excellent with minimal missing data suggesting SOLACE had good acceptability and feasibility. Quantitative analysis revealed that mental health scores had significantly improved for those who took part in SOLACE compared to no significant changes for control group participants. In addition, changes in secondary outcome measures (e.g. stigma, self-esteem and self-compassion) were in favour of SOLACE. Focus group interviews revealed that SOLACE was acceptable to parents. Results suggest that a full randomised controlled trial is warranted.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 4477-4491

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (Volume 50)

Publication milestones

  • Accepted/In press - 01/04/2020
  • Published - 23/04/2020

Publication status

Published - 23/04/2020

ISSN

0162-3257

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/623963
  • Scopus: 85084085838

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