Assessing an Internet-based parenting intervention for mothers with a serious mental illness: A randomized controlled trial

Objective This study examined the effectiveness of an Internet parenting education and support intervention among mothers with a serious mental illness (SMI). Methods Sixty mothers diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum or mood disorder who had primary/shared custody for a child 18 or younger were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two conditions. The experimental condition involved participation in the online parental education course and a listserv co-moderated by a parent with a mental illness and a mental health professional. The control condition involved participation in online education healthy lifestyle course. Standardized measures were used at baseline and 3 months to assess outcomes. Using an intent-to-treat approach, group differences over time were assessed using a two-tailed independent sample t test on all dependent variables, including parental efficacy, skills, coping, support, and stress. Results Participation in an online parenting intervention for mothers with a SMI enhanced parenting and coping skills, and decreased parental stress. No support was found for improved efficacy or support. Conclusion This RCT establishes that mothers with a SMI are interested in and capable of receiving online parenting education and support. Findings demonstrate that an online parenting intervention can improve parenting and coping skills and decrease parental stress.