“I'm not afraid to be alone with the baby now”: Parents' experiences of an online self-guided cognitive intervention for unwanted intrusive thoughts about harming their child
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Half of parents to infants and toddlers experience unwanted intrusive thoughts (UITs) about intentionally harming their child. For some, this can lead to impaired parental self-efficacy, elevated parental stress, and symptoms of depression. Many do not disclose their thoughts due to shame. Our research group has developed a self-guided online cognitive intervention for parents with distressing UITs of intentional child-related harm. A previous randomized pilot trial ( N = 43) showed that the intervention was more effective than waitlist in reducing distress related to UITs. It also improved parental self-efficacy. This study is an qualitative investigation of the participants’ experiences with the intervention. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 8 participants. A thematic analysis revealed two overarching themes: (1) Changed perception of the unwanted intrusive thoughts and (2) Different paths to recovery. The parents reported that the intervention taught skills to approach their UITs in a more flexible way, which had positive effects on well-being and parenting. The flexibility and anonymity of the online format was highlighted as positive. Some would have liked additional therapist support and better adaptations to a smartphone format. The findings provide additional qualitative data how an online self-guided intervention can help parents who struggle with UITs. • Parents perceived the self-guided online cognitive intervention as beneficial. • The intervention provided skills to approach the unwanted intrusive thoughts in a more flexible way. • Positive effects on daily well-being and parental function were found. • The flexibility and anonymity of the online format was highlighted as something positive.
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,080
OpenAlex ID: W4401817186