Introduction: The Parenting with Confidence (PWC) program is an occupation-based, peer-reviewed, group protocol that aims to support parents diagnosed with mental illness by providing them with essential skills, support, and confidence to manage parenting challenges. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the program in enhancing parent’s skills and reducing stress.
Objectives:
1. Understand the impact of the PWC program on parenting skills and confidence in parents with mental illness.
2. Evaluate changes in parenting-related stress following participation in the PWC program.
Methods: The study involves parents who are enrolled in the PWC program, are living with mental illness, and have at least partial custody of children under 12. The program consists of six weekly 90-minute sessions, specifically designed to address the unique needs of parents with mental illness. Participants complete assessments before and after the program to measure changes in parenting skills, confidence, and stress levels. Intervention sessions are facilitated by occupational therapy practitioners.
Results: This IRB-approved study is currently in progress, concluding May 2025. Preliminary observations and data suggest improvements in parenting skills and confidence, along with a reduction in stress. Final results will be analyzed and presented upon study completion.
Conclusion: The PWC program appears to be effective in enhancing parenting skills and reducing stress among parents with mental illness. These findings suggest that structured support programs can play a crucial role in improving the well-being of parents and their families. Further research is recommended to explore long-term outcomes and potential scalability of the program.