A Pilot Study of an Attachment-Based Parenting Intervention for Mandarin-Speaking Families in Canada

Objectives To address the gap in accessibility of mental health services for Mandarin-speaking families in Canada, this study evaluated the uptake, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of Connect for Mandarin Speaking Families , a culturally-inclusive and attachment-focused parenting program designed to promote youth and family wellbeing. Methods Participants were 17 birth and 1 kinship immigrant parents from China to Canada (age 39–69, M age = 49.42, SD = 7.25; 14 mothers; 4 fathers) seeking support for concerns about their children’s mental health problems (age 12–18, M age = 14.44, SD = 1.80; 27.8% male, 72.2% female). Parents completed self-report pre- and post-measures assessing their child’s mental health and evaluated the perceived fit and helpfulness of the program in this single-arm pilot study. Results Preliminary evidence was found for the program’s effectiveness in reducing adolescent emotional and behavioural problems and improving family satisfaction. Importantly, parent attendance and retention were high (85%), and parents reported the program was very helpful and a good fit with their cultural values. Conclusions This pilot study is among the first to evaluate a culturally-inclusive, attachment-based parenting intervention for Chinese immigrant families in Canada, delivered in their native language. Future research with larger samples and further adaptations to address immigrant-specific family challenges is warranted.