Comparison of the effectiveness of positive resilience training with metalization-based training in improving emotional self-regulation and parent-child interaction among mothers of mentally retarded children

Mental retardation in children is a source of stress for the family and caregivers, which can lead to significant impairment in social-occupational functioning and damage to the caregivers' quality of life. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of positive resilience training and metalization-based training in improving emotional self-regulation and parent-child interactions in mothers of children with intellectual disabilities.

The study population included all mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in Tabriz in 2022. Out of the study population, 45 individuals were selected using purposive sampling method and randomly assigned to three groups (15 individuals per group). The data collection tools included the the Emotion Self-Regulation Questionnaire by Hofmann and Kashdan (2010), and the Parent-Child Interaction Questionnaire by Pianta (1994). Positive resilience training and metalization-based training were implemented in 8 sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. Data analysis was done using SPSS.v21 software and multivariate covariance analysis and post hoc test of least significant difference.

The results showed that positive resilience training has an effect on emotional self-regulation (MD=2.391; P=0.014) and parent-child interaction (MD=4.683; P=0.026). Also, metalization-based training was effective on emotional self-regulation (MD=4.257; P=0.001) and parent-child interaction (MD=9.955; P=0.001). The comparison of the effectiveness of the interventions also showed that, apart from emotional self-regulation (P<0.05), metalization-based training in the parent-child interaction was more effective compared to positive resilience training (P<0.05).

Based on the results of this study, it is recommended to prioritize metalization-based training in intervention programs aimed at improving the mental health of mothers of children with intellectual disabilities.