Providing a family-oriented problem-solving training program for parents of Down syndrome children

Subject Areas : Islamic-Iranian Family Studies Journal

Maryam Seidy ¹ , Gholam Ali Afrooz ² , Leila Kashani Vahid ³ , aliakbar arjmandnia ⁴ , keivan kakabraee ⁵

1 - Ph.D. Student in Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 - Professor, Department of Psychology and Exceptional Children Education, University of Tehran
3 - Assistant Department of Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4 - Exceptional Child Psychology, Exceptional Child Psychology, Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
5 - Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran. Address: Azad University of Kermanshah

Received: 2022-08-16 Accepted : 2022-12-19 Published : 2022-11-22

Keywords: problem solving, children with Down syndrome, Family, Parents,

Abstract :

Aim: This study was developed with the aim of providing a family-oriented problem solving training program for parents of children with Down syndrome. It seems that structural modification of parenting practices is very important to improve the quality of life of all family members. It seems necessary to modify the functional structure of families with children with special needs, including children with Down syndrome, due to their different psycho-social characteristics. Based on this, empowering parents through new cognitive-behavioral approaches such as family-oriented problem solving programs is considered one of the important priorities of developed societies. Methods: In this organized research, first the nature and importance of this issue was investigated, then how to prepare a family-oriented problem solving educational program for parents of children with Down syndrome, which is an innovative combination of "I can solve my problem" and "Education of a thinking child/teenager" program was presented. Results: A review of the available empirical evidence shows that the application of the family-oriented problem solving program has a positive effect on the behavioral change of children and adolescents with special needs and their parents. Conclusion: Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the well-being of the family through the formulation of efficient localized programs based on the Iranian-Islamic model. The application of the family-oriented problem-solving training program by the parents of children with Down syndrome has greatly increased their motivation to learn practical interpersonal skills, and parents can provide psychological and social well-being conditions for themselves and their children by adopting a problem-solving coping style.