Background and Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of parental behavioral management training on reducing anxiety symptoms in children of mothers diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Method: This research employed a single-subject experimental design. The statistical population included all mothers diagnosed with MS who were members of the MS Society during the time of the study (2024) and had at least one child aged 8 to 12 exhibiting anxiety symptoms. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, and three eligible mothers were recruited. The intervention consisted of six 90-minute online sessions. Data were collected using the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) administered online. Data were analyzed using visual graphs, focusing on trend slopes and variability to assess improvement. In addition, the study hypothesis was evaluated through visual analysis, percentage of improvement, reliable change index, and effect size calculations.
Results: Findings indicated that parental behavioral management training led to a reduction in anxiety symptoms in children of mothers with MS. The average effect size was 1.5, and the average percentage of improvement was 44.7%. Moreover, the effects of the intervention were sustained at follow-up, with an average improvement of 40.5% at one month and 38.5% at two months post-intervention. The average effect size at follow-up was 1.81.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate the positive impact of parental behavioral management training on reducing anxiety in children of mothers with multiple sclerosis. This therapeutic approach was effective in alleviating children's anxiety and improving their emotional well-being, suggesting its utility as an efficient psychological intervention for this vulnerable population. It is recommended that healthcare professionals and support organizations consider incorporating such interventions into preventive and supportive programs for families affected by multiple sclerosis