Development and feasibility of a virtual, synchronous mind-body resiliency intervention for fathers of children and youth with special healthcare needs

Background

Fathers of children and youth with special healthcare needs (FCYSHCN) are an overlooked population at risk for chronic stress. Mind-body practices offer a patient-centered approach to foster coping and resiliency, yet low engagement from fathers in existing programs suggests adaptation is needed. This multiphase study examines the feasibility of a synchronous, virtual mind-body intervention adapted for FCYSHCN.

Methods

31 FCYSHCN were recruited online via community partners and recruitment portals in an academic medical center in Boston, MA. Phase 1 consisted of individual interviews (N = 17) to determine fathers’ stressors, coping strategies, program needs, and suggested adaptations to the intervention protocol. The Phase 2 single arm pilot feasibility trial (N = 14) consisted of eight weekly 60-minute group sessions delivered virtually. Primary feasibility metrics were attendance (benchmark: mean=6 sessions) and electronic survey completion at baseline and post-intervention. Acceptability was assessed using post-session ratings of program satisfaction (4-point Likert scale; scores ≥3 coded as helpful) and helpfulness (e.g., group structure). Exploratory outcomes included validated measures of stress coping, resiliency, parental stress, depression, anxiety, which were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests (alpha=.05) to generate effect sizes (η2).

Results

In Phase 1, FCYSHCN discussed primary stressors (e.g., perceived inadequacy as a father) and multifaceted impacts of these stressors on physical, cognitive, emotional, and social wellbeing. Fathers also described coping strategies deemed helpful (e.g., humor) and unhelpful (e.g., “shutting down” from others). Qualitative findings informed intervention modifications. In Phase 2, most FCYSHCN (79%) attended ≥ 6 intervention sessions (mean=7). Follow-up survey completion was high (86%). Session satisfaction was high, with 7/8 sessions rated as helpful by most fathers. Program components deemed most helpful were the group structure, virtual delivery, exposure to a variety of relaxation and meditation skills, and the length of sessions. Although we were not powered to observe pre-post change, stress coping improved (p = .02, η2 = 0.42) and confidence increased in applying relaxation (p = .04, η2 = 0.34) and assertiveness techniques (p = .05, η2 = 0.31).

Conclusions

The first mind-body resiliency program for FCYSHCN is feasible and acceptable. Further testing is warranted in randomized trials with diverse samples of fathers, an appropriate comparison arm, and longitudinal assessments of psychosocial and biobehavioral outcomes.