Psychological interventions and mental health outcomes among caregivers of children with intellectual disability: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Mothers and caregivers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities often experience depression, anxiety, parenting stress, emotional exhaustion, and reduced psychological wellbeing because of prolonged caregiving demands, behavioral difficulties, financial strain, and social stigma. Psychological and behavioral interventions have increasingly been introduced to improve caregiver mental health outcomes. This study examined the effectiveness of these interventions on the mental health of mothers and caregivers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Methodology: The study adopted a systematic review and meta-analysis design guided by PRISMA procedures. Electronic databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, ERIC, and Google Scholar, were searched for relevant studies published up to December 2025. Fourteen studies involving more than 740 participants met the eligibility criteria. Data extraction, quality appraisal, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias assessments were conducted using standard meta-analytic procedures. Results: The findings demonstrated that psychological and behavioral interventions significantly improved depression, anxiety, parenting stress, mental health, and wellbeing outcomes among caregivers. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy produced the strongest reductions in depressive symptoms and irrational beliefs, while mindfulness and psychoeducational interventions improved stress management, emotional regulation, and parenting self-efficacy. Discussion: The findings suggest that caregiver-focused psychological interventions may strengthen emotional resilience, coping capacities, and family wellbeing. The review highlights the importance of integrating evidence-based mental health interventions into disability support and family-centered rehabilitation services.