Web-based self-regulation improvement program for children at psychosocial risk: Feasibility and acceptability assessment

Introduction

Web-based programs can be an important tool in psychological treatment of various disorders in children and adolescents. However, certain factors restrict application of these treatments, such as the fact they are scarce in the Spanish language and limited when focused on a population at psychosocial risk who, for various reasons, cannot attend regular treatment.

Aim

To develop and implement a program for the Improvement of Emotional Self-Regulation in Minors (MAM@) at psychosocial risk.

Methods

The size of the target population was n = 42 participants from three groups, one of children exposed to intimate partner violence, abused children in care, and a clinical population of hospital interconsultation. The study was an uncontrolled exploratory trial in which barriers to use, general assessment, usefulness, usability and perceived enjoyment were analysed for each intervention program module.

Results

The highest rated module in general terms was anger with the sadness module considered most useful and enjoyed. Several barriers to use were found in application of the program.

Discussion

Results provide important information on the effects of the application of the MAM@ program for children at psychosocial risk, and suggest that tasks should be implemented outside the intervention program for children to consolidate knowledge gained.

Trial registration

University of Murcia Ethic Committee (3663/2021); Research Ethics Committee (CEI) Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca 2022–10–1-HCUVA. October 6, 2022.