The effect of the web-based Barkley behavioral training model on the caregiving burden and resilience of mothers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Mothers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often face considerable challenges in communicating with their children, which increases their caregiving burden. Resilience, as an important psychological resource, can help mitigate the negative effects of these challenges. Barkley's behavioral parent training, especially when delivered web-based with easy access and flexible scheduling, may provide valuable support for these mothers. This study examined the impact of a web-based behavioral training program based on Barkley's model on caregiving burden and resilience in mothers of children with ADHD. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 56 mothers of children with ADHD were randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups (28 participants in each group). The intervention group received eight web-based multimedia training sessions based on the Barkley model. Demographic, resilience, and caregiving burden questionnaires were completed at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. Four participants from each group withdrew, and statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics did not differ significantly between the intervention and control groups. At baseline, no significant between-group differences were observed in caregiving burden (p = 0.425) or resilience (p = 0.897). Immediately after the intervention, a significant increase was found only in resilience in the intervention group (p = 0.015, d = 0.73), while the between-group difference in caregiving burden remained non-significant (p = 0.063). One month after the intervention, significant between-group differences were observed in both caregiving burden (p = 0.001, d = 1.01) and resilience (p = 0.002, d = 0.97) in favor of the intervention group. Overall analyses showed significant main effects of time and group, and a significant time × group interaction, for both outcomes. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that low-cost, accessible, and flexible web-based training can support mothers in managing stress, improving coping skills, and enhancing mental health, and may serve as a practical alternative to in-person parent training. Larger studies with longer follow-up are recommended to confirm these results. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: , 2025 (https://en.irct.ir/trial/82591).