The Efficacy of a Resilience-Enhancement Program for Mothers Based on Emotion Regulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Japan

Dr. Hiromi Tobe, PhD, RN, PHD Senior Lecturer in Global Nursing Research Center

Dr. Tobe and her team worked closely with the community members and conducted a randomized control trial to evaluate the efficacy of a brief (four 2-h sessions) group-based resilience-enhancement program focused on emotion regulation. Mothers (n = 123) of children aged 3–6 years were recruited in two prefectures and allocated with stratified randomization by the prefecture to either a bi-weekly intervention or treatment as usual. Mothers self-reported online at pre/post-intervention and at 2-month follow-up. Analysis of covariance was used to compare groups. At post-intervention and 2-month follow-up, the intervention group mothers showed significant improvements compared to the control group in resilience (p < 0.001/p = 0.001), self-esteem (p = 0.008/p = 0.001), anger control toward the child (p < 0.001/p = 0.012), and positive attribution toward the child’s misbehavior (p < 0.001/p = 0.003). This preliminary study provides evidence that improving resilience may reduce the risk of child maltreatment. Further research regarding implementing this intervention in the community is warranted.

Access the full paper here: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/22/14953