Investigating the Efficacy of a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-Based Parenting Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)-based parenting intervention on the primary caregivers of adolescents with self-harm behavior, living in Tehran Province, Iran. Methods This is a randomized clinical trial with a pre-test-post-test design. A total of 32 eligible dyads (parent and adolescent) were selected via a convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to either a DBT-based parenting intervention or a control (waiting list) group. Adolescents did not receive any treatment as part of the study. The scales included the difficulty in emotion regulation scale (DERS); parenting style and dimensions questionnaire (PSDQ); depression, anxiety, and stress scale-21 (DASS-21); five-facet mindfulness questionnaire; conflict behavior questionnaire; and caregiver strain questionnaire-short form 11. Quade nonparametric analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze data. Results The results of the quade nonparametric ANCOVA showed a significant difference in authoritative parenting style, depression and anxiety symptoms, caregiver strain for the caregivers’ group, as well as a statistically significant reduction in risk of suicide, conflict behavior with parent, depression and anxiety symptoms for adolescents’ group between the experimental and control groups (P˂0.05). Conclusion Therefore, we conclude that the DBT-based parenting intervention can be used as an independent or complementary treatment along with dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents with self-harm behaviors.