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- The Building Regulation in Dual Generations (BRIDGE) program was designed to promote and support intergenerational emotion regulation for mothers with preschool-aged children who are experiencing symptoms of depression. BRIDGE is a 16-week group therapy program that matches Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills with parenting content and techniques. The study included a mixed methods design to evaluate the two virtual formats of the BRIDGE program, as well as to determine the feasibility and acceptability of each version of the program. Thirty-nine mothers with preschool aged children were enrolled. Mothers completed weekly self-report measures, as well as pre- and post-program surveys. Fifteen mothers participated in focus groups.
- Program engagement was high with 92.3% participants completing the program. Mothers enjoyed attending groups to “learn new techniques and perspectives” and get support for both parent and child needs in one program. Across both groups, members felt heard, encouraged, and validated.
- There was a significant reduction in maternal depression across both groups. 78.8% of participants experienced a clinically significant change in symptoms. Mothers experienced a significant, medium sized effect reduction in parenting stress. There were no significant changes in scores on an emotion dysregulation questionnaire. A significant different was found in child mental health problems.
- Regarding target skill acceptability and general skill use, mothers identified improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as their ability to manage their emotions and cope with stressful experiences. Mothers also highlighted their ability to better manage challenging child behaviours, encourage positive behaviours, assess and respond in difficult moments rather than react, and repair interactions following a rupture.
- This program examined two types of telehealth groups, however there was no control group used. Data collection was challenging, despite offering compensation, uptake on weekly questionnaire submission and participation in the focus groups was low.
- Future iterations of the group will include incorporating feedback from focus groups and a parent advisory board, as well as longitudinal follow-up of participants to explore treatment effect sustainability.
