A Stress Management and Health Promotion Intervention for Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy and Motor Disability at the Infant Department of the Greek Center for the Protection and Rehabilitation of the Disabled (ELEPAP). Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Studies show the correlation between children’s physical disabilities and parental stress. The importance of the length of systemic therapy as well as stress management is emphasized in the literature. The present study aims to explore the outcome of a holistic stress management and health promotion intervention. This is a quasi-experimental study (N = 60, 1:1 allocation ratio). The study was conducted at ELEPAP, the Greek center for the protection and rehabilitation of the disabled. Self-administered scales were used to measure lifestyle variables, perceived stress, depression, and anxiety, locus of control, and spirituality. Stress management techniques were taught to the participants, who also attended lectures on health behaviors. Both quantitative and qualitative data were recorded. The objectives of the study were to reduce perceived stress levels, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, and improve the participants’ quality of life, as well as to promote healthy dietary patterns. Regarding the stress levels and the depression symptoms, the objectives were achieved (r = 0.71 and r = 0.78 respectively). Lifestyle changes were also observed in nutrition (r = 0.92), exercise(r = 0.51), diet (r = 0.87), routine (r = 0.92), and social support (r = 0.92). Regarding spirituality, there was no significant difference. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that intervention which combines stress management techniques with cognitive restructuring can reduce stress. It would be beneficial for children’s parents to implement such interventions in a clinical setting.