An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Psychoeducation Single Session Intervention on Childhood Anxiety for Carers of Children With a Long-Term Health Condition

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a newly developed, single-session, online psychoeducational training designed to support caregivers in managing their child's anxiety associated with their long-term health condition (LTHC). The study also explored preliminary changes in caregiver knowledge and approaches to managing anxiety following the intervention.

This study used a quantitative, within-subjects feasibility design. Caregivers of children aged 5-12 years with a diagnosed long-term health condition were recruited. All participants received the intervention, with no control group.

The intervention consisted of a 22-minute online training package delivered via three videos. The content is based on ACT principles and includes psychoeducation about anxiety, ACT-based metaphors and exercises to consider using with their child. The material in the training was specifically designed to support children with a LTHC, rather than generic support for anxiety.

Participants completed measures prior to the intervention, including a demographic questionnaire and the Parent Attitudes, Beliefs and Understanding about Anxiety (PABUA). Immediately following the training, participants completed a structured feedback questionnaire assessing the acceptability and accessibility of the intervention. Two weeks after completing the training, participants were invited via email to complete follow-up measures, including a repeat of the PABUA and a follow-up feedback questionnaire to assess use and perceived usefulness of the strategies.

Feasibility outcomes include recruitment rates, retention rates, and participant-reported acceptability of the intervention and study procedures. Secondary outcomes include changes in caregiver knowledge, beliefs, and confidence in managing their child's anxiety (measured by the PABUA).