Author/Authors :
Kazemeini, Toktam Faculty of Educational Science and Psychology - Ferdowsi University of Mashhad , Sepehri Shamloo, Zohre Faculty of Educational Science and Psychology - Ferdowsi University of Mashhad , Mashhadi, Ali Faculty of Educational Science and Psychology - Ferdowsi University of Mashhad , Moddares Gharravi, Morteza Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center - Mashhad University of Medical Science
Abstract :
Background: Diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder (SAD) in
childhood is a critical risk factor of mental health in adulthood.
Etiology studies have indicated the significant role of parental
psychological factors in children with SAD phenomena. The aim of
study was to investigate the effectiveness psycho-educational program
based parental reflective functioning (PRF) on the improvement of
children's SAD.
Methods: A single-case experimental design with multiple baselines
has been utilized to conduct the present study. Subjects of the study
included 4 parents (two mothers and two fathers) with children
suffering from SAD who referred to the psychiatric counseling center
and clinic of child and adolescent psychiatrist in Mashhad during May
and June of 2019. These parents were selected through convenience
purposeful sampling method based on inclusion and exclusion criteria
and participated in 12 sessions (two sessions per week) of a psychoeducational
program based PRF. The participants completed the parentseparation
anxiety questionnaire in three stages of baseline, during the
implementation of the program (in sessions 5, 9 and 12), as well as one
month after follow-up. The obtained data were analyzed using indicators
of percentage recovery / PR, effect size and reliable change index (RCI).
Results: At the end of the psycho-educational program, the results
indicated a significant clinical decrease in the severity of separation
anxiety in all four children of participants. The total score of recovery
percentage for the first, second, third and fourth subjects was equal to
70.86, 71.30, 72.21 and 70.96, respectively. The RCI indicator of
subjects was -9.93, -10.97, -11.59 and -11.26, respectively. Also, the
effect size for the first, second, third and fourth subjects was equal to
7.43, 8.21, 8.67 and 8.43, respectively. Moreover, the overall
improvement of all four subjects in subscales of fear of being left alone,
fear of abandonment, fear of physical illness and fear of dangerous
events was 66.75%, 71.10%, 70.39% and 71.73%, respectively which the
values were significant clinically. This improvement process continued
throughout the follow-up period.
Conclusion: According to research findings, the Psycho-educational
program based parental reflective functioning has a positive effect on
improving the symptoms of SAD in children. Therefore, it is
recommended to utilize this program in treatment interventions for
SAD.
