Feasibility of an Online Resilience Program for Mothers With Adverse Childhood Experiences

Enhancing maternal resilience through targeted interventions has emerged as a promising strategy for preventing the intergenerational transmission of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). This study aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility of an online resilience program tailored for mothers with ACEs. The study followed the development and feasibility phases of the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions. The development phase involved a literature review, application of a theoretical framework, and expert content validation. The program was grounded in Roy's Adaptation Model and structured as an eight-session, interactive, group-based online intervention. During the feasibility phase, a pilot study was conducted to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness. The pilot study included five mothers with two or more ACEs who were raising preschool-aged children in South Korea. The study demonstrated high retention (83.3%) and session attendance (97.5%) rates, and participants reported high satisfaction (M ± SD = 9.80 ± 0.45 out of 10). Preliminary findings suggested improvements in resilience and parenting behaviors (both Z = -2.02, p = 0.043). Other outcomes, including self-rated health, self-esteem, parenting sense of competence, and mother-child interaction, showed favorable trends. Based on participant feedback, the program was refined accordingly. This study demonstrates a theory-driven, evidence-based intervention approach for mothers with ACEs that may inform practices to prevent intergenerational transmission of adversity.