A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of interventions targeting the parent–child relationship in families of children with an intellectual disability

Abstract

Background

The review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of parent–child relationship interventions for families of children with intellectual disability up to 12 years old.

Methods

Quasi-experimental or randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions targeting the parent–child relationship where ≥50% of children had an intellectual disability were included. Meta-analyses of parent–child relationship outcomes and child outcomes used standardised mean difference as the effect size.

Results

Twenty-seven papers were included (N = 1325). Parent–child relationship outcomes improved significantly (n = 1325; g = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.64, 1.52) with a large effect size that was robust to sensitivity analyses. Child developmental outcomes improved significantly (n = 1082; g = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.23, 1.07), and indicated a large effect size for child socialisation and communication.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that interventions targeting parent–child relationship quality are associated with substantial improvements in parent–child relationship and may improve child outcomes related to socialisation and communication.