Digital Self-Compassion Writing Intervention to Support Mental Health of Parents of Autistic Individuals

A Digital Self-Compassion Writing Intervention to Improve the Mental Health of Parents of Autistic Individuals

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a digital self-compassion writing intervention for parents of autistic individuals. Participants will engage in a 14-day self-compassion writing program delivered via a WeChat mini-program. The study seeks to answer the following questions:

• Is the study design and digital self-compassion writing intervention feasible and acceptable for parents of autistic individuals?
• Does the intervention lead to greater improvements in self-compassion and mental health outcomes compared to the control group?
• Do baseline characteristics moderate the intervention effect compared to the control group?
• Among intervention participants, do satisfaction and usage patterns predict greater improvements in outcomes?
• Does improvement in self-compassion mediate changes in mental health outcomes?

Inclusion Criteria:

• are parents of individuals with either a formal autism diagnosis or a provisional diagnosis from a medical institution
• are living with the autistic individual
• are aged 18 years or older
• regularly use WeChat
• are willing to commit to the study procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

• current experience of acute mental health issues (e.g., severe depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies)
• undergoing serious health crises (e.g., undergoing major surgery or diagnosed with a life-threatening illness)
• pregnancy