Introduction:
Being a parent demands executive functions such as attention, planning and time management and can be a particular challenge for parents with impaired time management skills.
Objectives:
The overall aim of this trial was to evaluate occupational therapy time management interventions for parents with impaired time management skills due to ADHD, autism, or mental disorders.
Methods:
The study is part of a larger RCT-study comparing time management interventions: Let’s Get Organized with individual occupational therapy. The participants (n=28) were recruited from psychiatric and habilitation outpatient clinics in Sweden, had self-reported difficulties in time management due to ADHD, autism or mental disorders and had children living at home. The parenting Sense of Competence Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Assessment of Time Management Skills instrument were used to collect data.
Results:
Our results indicated a significant improvement in parental self-efficacy (total score, p = 0.032) and the parenting efficacy subscale (p = 0.030) after time management interventions. Parenting satisfaction displayed an improving trend (p = 0.121), and parenting interest remained stable (p= 0.797) throughout the study. General self-efficacy and Time management skills improved significantly (p = 0.014, p = 0.003) after interventions.
Conclusion:
Time management interventions improved parental self-efficacy and general self-efficacy and can provide support in parenting for parents with impaired time management skills. Time management interventions should be offered to parents with ADHD, autism or mental disorders who express difficulties with time management and preferential aspects can guide the choice of individual or Let’s Get Organized group intervention.