LightBEAM Program for Parenting and Mental Health

This trial tests the LightBEAM program, an online tool designed to help parents manage stress and improve mental health. It aims to evaluate LightBEAM's effectiveness compared to no treatment, focusing on reducing depression, anxiety, and parenting stress. This program suits Canadian parents caring for a child aged 18 to 107 months who feel stressed or anxious and have internet access. Participants will use the app for 12 weeks, watching short videos, tracking progress, and joining online forums. The goal is to make mental health support more accessible, especially in remote or underserved areas. As an unphased trial, this study offers parents a unique opportunity to access innovative mental health support tools.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on providing additional support through an app, so you may not need to change your medication routine.

Research shows that the BEAM program, the foundation for LightBEAM, is generally user-friendly. Earlier studies found that BEAM can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and strict parenting behaviors. This suggests the app is safe for parents managing mental health issues. No major reports of negative effects have emerged, making it a promising option for online mental health support. Since LightBEAM is built on BEAM, it is expected to be equally safe and effective.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the Light Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health (BEAM) Program because it offers a fresh approach to parenting and mental health support. Unlike traditional therapy, which often involves in-person sessions, this program provides a flexible, self-paced delivery method through weekly online videos and exercises. It also emphasizes community support by connecting participants with peer coaches and other parents via an online forum. This combination of digital accessibility and social interaction makes it a unique tool for empowering parents to improve their mental well-being and parenting skills.

Research has shown that the BEAM program effectively reduces depression and anxiety symptoms in parents. Studies found that parents using BEAM reported less harshness with their children, suggesting the program improves parent-child interactions. By addressing parents' stress and mental health, BEAM may also benefit children's development and emotional well-being. In this trial, participants in the LightBEAM Program Group will complete 12 weeks of the LightBEAM program. This program builds on BEAM's success, aiming to offer these benefits to more families through an online platform.¹³⁵⁶⁷