The problem-oriented coping skills training and its effect on the use of coping strategies and stress level of mothers of children with learning disorders in an e - learning system: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Having a child with a learning disability in the family can be a significant source of stress, necessitating the development of effective coping responses, particularly by mothers.Coping skills training provides useful strategies that can support parents during challenging times.The present study aimed to investigate the effect of problem-focused coping strategies training on coping skills and stress reduction in mothers of children with learning disabilities.Methods: This experimental study employed a pretest-posttest-follow-up design with a control group.The sample included 60 mothers of children aged 8-12 years with learning disabilities, selected from a learning disorder center in Mashhad, Iran, and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (30 in each).Both groups completed the pretest, after which the experimental group participated in 10 sessions of problemfocused coping skills training.The control group received no intervention.Posttests were conducted after the sessions, and follow-up assessments were performed two months later.Data collection tools included the Abidin Parenting Stress Index (1995) and the Lazarus and Folkman Coping Strategies Questionnaire (1984).Results: Significant differences were observed between the two groups across the three assessment points (pretest, posttest, and follow-up) in terms of problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and stress levels (p < 0.05).In the intervention group, scores for problem-focused coping (seeking support, responsibility-taking, and problem-solving), emotion-focused coping (distancing, escape-avoidance), and stress significantly improved in both posttest and follow-up stages (p < 0.05).However, the effects of training on positive reappraisal, self-control, and confrontive coping were not sustained at the two-month follow-up (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Problem-focused coping strategies training can positively influence the use of both problemfocused and emotion-focused coping strategies.It is recommended to implement such training programs to support mothers-especially those of children with learning disabilities-in reducing stress and improving effective coping in response to challenges.