The Effectiveness of the Mentalization Promoting Program for Parents of Children with Type I Diabetes on Parental Stress: A Single-Subject Study

Considering the importance of the role of parents in the physical and mental health of children, especially in the face of chronic diseases, this research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the mentalization promoting program for parents of children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) on parental stress.

The research method of this study is semi-experimental with a single-subject structure. The sample group was selected by purposive sampling and included four parents of 8-12-year-old children with T1D. The subjects participated in eight two-hour sessions of the mentalization promoting program for parents of children with T1D and completed the Parental Stress Questionnaire (PSI-SF) at baseline, during the intervention, after the intervention, and during follow-up stages to evaluate the effectiveness of this program on parental stress.

The data were analyzed using graphical analysis and the Reliable Change Index (RCI). The results showed that the proposed program, while having sufficient validity, was effective in reducing the stress of these parents, and the effectiveness continued in the follow-up phase.

Considering the credibility and effectiveness of the mentalization promoting program, it is suggested that this program be widely implemented to reduce stress and support parents of children with T1D. Furthermore, this program should be adapted and implemented for parents in stressful situations or those with children suffering from other chronic diseases.