Cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce psychological distress and increase life satisfaction among mothers of children with intellectual disability: a randomized control trial

Mothers of children with intellectual disability disorder (IDD) are found to be at high risk of psychiatric problems. The present study investigates the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression and anxiety-related symptoms, daily life stressors, maladaptive and adaptive emotion regulation strategies, satisfaction with life, and positive attitude toward self in mothers of children with IDD. This prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted across various Special Education Schools and Rehabilitation Centers in Faisalabad between 2020 and 2021. A total of 80 mothers were randomized to EXP ( n = 40) and WLC ( n = 40). After baseline screening, mothers’ scores on DASS were at least mildly severe, and they had a child with an IQ < 70 were taken in this RCT. Mothers’ ages ranged from 27 to 45 years. Eight CBT-based therapeutic sessions were given to each mother once a week in an individual setting. A demographic form, the Cognitive-Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life, and the Self-Compassion Questionnaire were used to assess the outcomes. This RCT findings indicated that CBT sessions substantially reduced symptoms of DEP [F (1,55) = 346.55, p < 0.000, η2 = 0.885], ANX [F (1,55) = 138.29, P < 0.000, η2 = 0.754], and STR [F (1,55) = 358.84, P < 0.000, η2 = 0.889] with a large effect size. CBT significantly reduced the patterns of MERS [F (1,55) = 268.74, p < 0.000, η2 = 0.86] and successfully enhanced patterns of AERS [F (1,55) = 466.44, p < 0.000, η2 = 0.91] with a high effect size. Furthermore, CBT techniques significantly improved mothers’ level of satisfaction with life [F (1,55) = 253.29, p < 0.000, η2= 0.849] and positive attitude toward self [F (1,55) = 330.54, p < 0.000, η2 = 0.880] with a large effect size. CBT is an evidence-based therapy that remains successful in addressing mothers’ psychiatric problems and improving children’s management. It significantly reduced the severity of depressive symptoms, anxieties, and stressors. Moreover, CBT sessions brought a significant change in the management of maladaptive emotional strategies. They substantially increased the levels of adaptive emotional coping, life satisfaction, and positive attitudes toward self. Thai Clinical Trial Registry (i.e. TCTR ID: TCTR20210625001, with URL: https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20210625001 ).