Effectiveness of Arsh Leisure Time Program training on mental health in mothers of slow paced children

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Arsh Leisure Time Program training on the mental health in mothers of slow paced children in Tehran city. Methods. The present research was a semi-experimental study with pre-test, post-test design and control group. The study sample included 30 mothers and their slow paced children who were selected by convenient sampling method from exceptional schools in Tehran city in 2018 academic year, and were divided into experiment and control group (each consisting of 15 individuals) randomly and equally. The experiment group participated in Arsh Leisure Time Program training for 16 sessions (two sessions weekly; each lasting for 60 minutes), while control group did not. The tool used in present research was Goldberg and Hiller's General Health Questionnaire (1993). Data were analyzed by multiple analysis of covariance through SPSS24. Results. The findings of this research showed that there was a significant decrease in mean scores of general health and subscales (somatic symptoms, anxiety, social dysfunction and depression) in experiment group at the post-test in comparison to control group. In other words, the intervention had a positive effect on the mental health of experiment group. Conclusion. Arsh Leisure Time Program training led to improve the mental health in mothers of slow paced children. Therefore, a specific leisure time program is necessary in order to increase mental health in mothers of slow paced children.