Föräldrarnas Roll i Behandlingen av Barn och Unga med Ångest
: Behandlarnas Perspektiv

Translated title of the thesis: The Role of Parents in Treating Children and Adolescents with Anxiety: Practitioners' Perspectives
  • Negin Bazarcheh Shabestari

Student thesis: Master, one year

Abstract

The role of parents in the treatment of children and adolescents with anxiety is critical for therapeutic outcomes. This study examined the relationship between parental mental health, their engagement in treatment, and the child's progress, based on practitioners' professional perspectives. Data were col-lected from 103 practitioners in psychology and psychiatry across Sweden. Quantitative analyses were conducted using validated instruments: the Parental Wellbeing Scale (PWS), Parental Participation Engagement Measure (PPEM), and Change After Psychotherapy (CHAP).
The results showed a strong positive correlation between parental mental health and engagement (r = 0.083, p < 0.001), with both variables significantly contributing to the child’s therapeutic outcomes. Me-diation analysis revealed that engagement partially mediated the relationship between parental mental health and treatment outcomes. These findings reinforce previous research and systems theory princi-ples highlighting the importance of family dynamics in optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
Methodologically, the study is strengthened by the use of validated instruments and practitioners’ per-spectives, providing an objective and nuanced understanding of the parental role. Limitations include potential bias in practitioner assessments and the representativeness of the sample.
The study emphasizes the importance of integrating parental support into treatment plans and address-ing the entire family system. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of parental engage-ment and mental health and explore how cultural and socioeconomic factors influence therapeutic out-comes. The findings can inform the development of inclusive and effective interventions that better sup-port both children and their families in managing anxiety.
Date of Award2024-Dec
Original languageSwedish
SupervisorJimmy Jensen (Supervisor) & Emma A. Renström (Examiner)

Educational program

  • Magisterprogram i psykologi

University credits

  • 15 HE credits

Swedish Standard Keywords

  • Psychology (50101)

Keywords

  • Parental engagement
  • mental health
  • anxiety in children and adolescents
  • treatment outcomes
  • family dynamics
  • systems theory
  • practitioner perspective
  • psychotherapy

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