Abstract
Purpose: Parents of neurodivergent children face elevated risks of mental health challenges. Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) may offer support. This systematic review explores studies evaluating PPIs and their mental health benefits for these parents.
Methods: Six databases (Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, Clinicaltrials.gov, PROSPERO, and Cochrane) were searched for studies on PPIs for parents of neurodivergent children. Data on intervention, participant and study characteristics, and outcomes were extracted and narratively synthesised. Risk of bias (RoB) of the review as whole as well as included papers were assessed.
Results: Eighteen studies on sixteen interventions met inclusion criteria, including a total of 896 parents. Most combined PPIs with additional components and were delivered in group formats. Eleven studies were classified as randomised controlled trials (RCTs), four as quasi-RCTs, and three as pre-post design. RoB assessment of the review indicated a high risk due to the absence of a pre-registered protocol. Most included studies were underpowered, and lacked proof of baseline comparability or randomisation of study arms. Most studies reported reduced distress and improved well-being and positive functioning in parents following the PPI.
Conclusion: PPIs hold promise for supporting parental mental health, though evidence is preliminary due to the high RoB or low quality of the studies to date. Future research should prioritise robust and adequately powered RCTs, identify working mechanisms, and explore digital formats to increase accessibility for parents.
Methods: Six databases (Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, Clinicaltrials.gov, PROSPERO, and Cochrane) were searched for studies on PPIs for parents of neurodivergent children. Data on intervention, participant and study characteristics, and outcomes were extracted and narratively synthesised. Risk of bias (RoB) of the review as whole as well as included papers were assessed.
Results: Eighteen studies on sixteen interventions met inclusion criteria, including a total of 896 parents. Most combined PPIs with additional components and were delivered in group formats. Eleven studies were classified as randomised controlled trials (RCTs), four as quasi-RCTs, and three as pre-post design. RoB assessment of the review indicated a high risk due to the absence of a pre-registered protocol. Most included studies were underpowered, and lacked proof of baseline comparability or randomisation of study arms. Most studies reported reduced distress and improved well-being and positive functioning in parents following the PPI.
Conclusion: PPIs hold promise for supporting parental mental health, though evidence is preliminary due to the high RoB or low quality of the studies to date. Future research should prioritise robust and adequately powered RCTs, identify working mechanisms, and explore digital formats to increase accessibility for parents.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 100009 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Research in Neurodiversity |
| Volume | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 22 Nov 2025 |
Keywords
- UT-Hybrid-D
- Positive psychology interventions
- Parental well-being
- Systematic review
- Neurodiversity