Date of Award
5-2022
Document Type
Oral Presentation/Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Health Science
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Moses Ikiugu
Keywords
occupational therapy, mental health, parents, caregivers, children with disabilities
Subject Categories
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
Parents caring for children with disabilities experience unique challenges which affects their well-being and occupational balance. The affects can contribute to further limitations within their family systems. The purpose of this capstone project is to explore the need and effectiveness of an occupation therapy-based program to address parents’ mental health needs. Needs assessment results and literary evidence supported the need for the proposed program, titled the Well Parent Program. Program development was guided by occupational therapy models and frames of reference. Three assessments were used to evaluate the effect of program interventions on parents’ perceived stress, perceived well-being, and goal attainment. Following pilot program implementation and evaluation, results were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative data. Five participating parents exhibited improvements in goal attainment and perceived stress and well-being.
Recommended Citation
Heumiller, Emily J., "Meeting Mental Health Needs of Parents Caring for Children with Disabilities by Facilitating Occupational Balance and Well-being" (2022). Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations. 84.
https://red.library.usd.edu/ot-capstone/84