CARE Program for Parent-Child Relationships

(Male-CARE Trial)

This trial aims to determine if a 12-session group therapy program can help male caregivers connect better with their children, particularly those receiving mental health support. The program, called Connecting and Reflecting Experience (CARE), helps caregivers understand their own and their child's thoughts and feelings to improve their relationship. Men who identify as fathers or father figures, with children currently undergoing mental health treatment, are well-suited for this study. Participants will join weekly online sessions and complete short surveys to help researchers assess the program's impact. The goal is to determine if this program benefits male caregivers. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance caregiver-child relationships.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on group therapy for parenting, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required, but you should confirm with the study team.

Research has shown that the Connecting and Reflecting Experience (CARE) program is generally safe and well-tolerated. Past studies have successfully used this program with various caregiver groups, enhancing parent-child relationships without harmful effects. The program includes group therapy sessions that focus on understanding and communication between parents and children, without involving any medical procedures. Participants engage in discussions and activities that increase emotional awareness, which previous research has found helpful. No evidence of negative effects exists, making it a promising option for those seeking group-based parenting support.¹²³⁴⁵

The CARE Program for Parent-Child Relationships is unique because it focuses on strengthening the bond between parents and children through a structured group therapy approach. Unlike traditional parenting resources, which may include individual counseling or self-help materials, the CARE Program provides a collaborative and interactive 12-session group setting. Researchers are excited about this program because it promotes shared experiences and reflections among parents, possibly leading to more effective and sustained improvements in family dynamics and relationships.

Research has shown that the Connecting and Reflecting Experience (CARE) program, which participants in this trial will enroll in, can improve parent-child relationships. Studies have found that CARE significantly reduces parenting stress and helps caregivers better understand their own and their child's thoughts and feelings. Participants in earlier studies reported feeling closer to their children and being more emotionally available. CARE has also been linked to better social and emotional outcomes for teenagers. These findings suggest that CARE could be a helpful tool for fathers seeking to build stronger bonds with their children.³⁵⁶⁷⁸