Capacity-Building Program for Parents of Children with SEN: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Strategies and Skill Learning and Development of Parent Capacity-Building Program in improving the parenting capacity of Chinese parents of children with special educational needs. Method: A total of 109 parents (mean age = 38.60 years old) were randomized into either an intervention or waitlist control group using block randomization. Results: The intervention group experienced significant improvements in parenting stress and parenting style when compared to the control group. The pooled analyses indicated that parents exhibited significant improvements in all outcome measures from pre- to post-intervention, and these improvements were sustained or further enhanced at the two-month follow-up. Moreover, the qualitative data further validated the program's effectiveness, with participants reporting increased self-efficacy and decreased parental stress because of their participation. Discussion: This study highlights the potential of incorporating in vivo practice in parenting programs to empower parents to translate their knowledge into practice.