A mentalization-based parenting intervention (Lighthouse Parenting Programme) for parents with various mental disorders in adult mental health service: A feasibility study

Abstract

Objective

Parental mental health problems have a detrimental impact on parenting thereby affecting the development and mental health of the child. Despite the clear need for parenting support within adult mental health services (AMHS), few interventions have been developed and evaluated in this context. The Lighthouse Parenting Program is a mentalization-based intervention aimed at reducing stress related to parenting, improving caregiving abilities, thereby preventing child adversity. This feasibility study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of the Lighthouse Parenting Program, including recruitment, enrolment, retention, and acceptability of the program in AMHS for parents with mental disorders.

Methods

Seven parents with various mental disorders were included. The intervention consisted of an individual assessment session, followed by 12 parenting group sessions. Data were collected using data from an e-journal system and via semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted post-intervention.

Results

70 % of the referred parents were included in the study, indicating good recruitment. The program demonstrated good feasibility, with six out of seven parents completing the program and an average session attendance of 77.5 %. Qualitative findings showed that parents experienced enhanced awareness of mental states, increased self-compassion, and greater parental confidence. However, parents also described initial challenges with trust-building within the group and challenges related to a perceived lack of structure and clear goals in the program.

Conclusion

The preliminary findings suggest that offering a mentalization-based parenting program as a transdiagnostic intervention is both feasible and acceptable to parents with mental disorders in AMHS. Potential areas for improvement are discussed. These findings warrant further investigation in randomised clinical trials to establish the effectiveness of the program.