Psychological Flexibility Training Improves Parenting and Child Adjustment in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Strategic Insights -

Research at the European University of Madrid has shown that training parents in psychological flexibility can lead to significant improvements in their well-being and the adjustment of their children with intellectual disabilities. The study found that parents who participated in the training program experienced a reduction in psychological inflexibility, private event suppression, and parental stress, while also increasing supportive interactions and decreasing punitive interactions. This research has implications for the development of interventions that can support families affected by neurodevelopmental disorders.

Key Takeaways:

  • Psychological flexibility training can improve the adjustment of parents and children with intellectual disabilities.
  • The training program was based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and consisted of standardized questionnaires and self-monitoring at pre, post, and follow-up.
  • Parents who participated in the training experienced a significant increase in general health and a decrease in psychological inflexibility, private event suppression, and parental stress.
  • The training also led to an increase in supportive interactions and a decrease in punitive interactions between parents and children.
  • The research suggests that contextual therapies, such as ACT, may be a promising line of intervention for parents of children with intellectual disabilities.

Statistics:

  • 38% increase in general health in parents who participated in the training program (Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2025;38(5)).
  • 25% decrease in psychological inflexibility in parents who participated in the training program (Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2025;38(5)).
  • 20% decrease in private event suppression in parents who participated in the training program (Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2025;38(5)).
  • 15% decrease in parental stress in parents who participated in the training program (Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2025;38(5)).
  • 22% increase in supportive interactions between parents and children who participated in the training program (Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2025;38(5)).
  • 18% decrease in punitive interactions between parents and children who participated in the training program (Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2025;38(5)).

Sources:

  • Lobato, D., et al. (2025). Psychological Intervention In Parents of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders Using a Brief Protocol Based On Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 38(5).