Effect of Yoga and Values Clarification on Stress, Comfort, and Emotional Regulation in Parents of Children With Special Needs

Parents of children with special needs are at increased risk of experiencing stress, anxiety, and emotional difficulties, which may negatively influence both their own well-being and their interactions with their children. Supporting these parents through effective interventions is essential for improving both parent and child outcomes.

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a Comfort Theory-based yoga and values clarification intervention. Participants will be parents of children with special needs who meet the inclusion criteria. They will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a yoga intervention group, a values clarification group, or a control group.

The yoga intervention will include structured sessions aimed at promoting physical relaxation and mental well-being. The values clarification intervention will focus on helping participants identify and reflect on their personal values, enhancing emotional awareness and coping strategies. The control group will not receive any intervention during the study period.

Data will be collected using validated instruments, including the Emotion Regulation Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the General Comfort Questionnaire. These measures will assess changes in emotional regulation, stress, and comfort levels before and after the intervention.

The results of this study are expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological, nursing-based interventions in improving psychological well-being among parents of children with special needs.

• Yoga (Behavioral): A structured yoga program delivered over 8 weeks, including breathing exercises, physical postures, and relaxation techniques, aimed at improving emotional regulation, reducing stress, and enhancing overall comfort in parents of children with special needs.
• Values Clarification (Behavioral): A values clarification intervention based on Comfort Theory delivered over 8 weeks, focusing on helping participants identify personal values, enhance emotional awareness, and develop effective coping strategies to improve psychological well-being.

Primary outcomes

• Comfort Level [Baseline; immediately after the 8-week intervention; 1-month follow-up; and 3-month follow-up]: Comfort levels will be measured using a validated scale based on Comfort Theory before and after the intervention.

Secondary outcomes

• Emotional Regulation [Baseline; immediately after the 8-week intervention; 1-month follow-up; and 3-month follow-up]: Changes in emotional regulation levels will be assessed using a validated emotional regulation scale before the intervention and after the 8-week intervention period.

Other outcomes

• Perceived Stress [Baseline; immediately after the 8-week intervention; 1-month follow-up; and 3-month follow-up]: Perceived stress levels will be evaluated using a standardized stress scale before and after the 8-week intervention period.

Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to any, accepts healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

* Being a parent of a child with special needs,
* Not having received prior yoga training,
* Not having a physical problem that would prevent them from practicing yoga,
* Not having communication problems,
* Speaking Turkish,
* Not having learning disabilities,
* Being suitable/willing to work in a group.

Exclusion Criteria for Parents:

* Having a physical problem that would prevent them from practicing yoga,
* The parent not being a volunteer,
* Not demonstrating compatibility with working in a group.