Parent experiences and child outcomes in specialist child and adolescent mental health programmes

Lenton, Freya (2024) Parent experiences and child outcomes in specialist child and adolescent mental health programmes. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background: Addressing the multifaceted mental health needs of children, adolescents, and their families requires flexible and adaptive approaches, particularly when first-line treatments have not yielded clinical change. This portfolio aims to explore caregiver experiences and child outcomes in specialist child and adolescent mental health programmes.

Method: A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for children and adolescents from ill-health to thriving. An empirical paper qualitatively explored caregivers' experiences of joint admission to a children's mental health unit and its impact on their parenting approaches and relationship dynamics, utilising reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: The meta-analyses, including 28 studies, 89 outcome measures, and 1,643 participants, found significant effects for wellbeing/quality of life (g = 0.99), internalising/emotional difficulties (g = 0.70), externalising/behavioural difficulties (g = 0.31) and third-wave processes (g = 0.26). The empirical study identified four themes: (1) Acceptance and Exoneration, (2) Respite after Battle, (3) Understanding, Adaptation and Trust, (4) Navigating Control and Power Dynamics in Co-Parenting.

Conclusions: The meta-analysis displayed that ACT serves a valuable psychological treatment for enhancing mental health and promoting wellbeing amongst children and adolescents. The qualitative paper deepens understanding of the novel approach of joint admission and the significant impact on family dynamics through the lens of caregivers.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Nicola Veasy
Date Deposited:	12 Nov 2024 10:00
Last Modified:	12 Nov 2024 10:00
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/97631
DOI:

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