Research on the Effectiveness of Web-Based Training for Parents of Children with PTSD

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology looked into the effectiveness of web-based training for parents of children with PTSD following traumatic events.

PTSD is common in children who experience accidents or other traumatic events — and it can lead to upsetting dreams or memories, avoiding things related to the traumatic event, and changes in the child’s thoughts and feelings. This study involved 110 parents of children aged 10-18 who had been diagnosed with PTSD.

The results were noticeable. Before the training, there was no big difference in stress levels between the two groups. However, after the 4-week web-based training, the children in the group that received the training had lower stress levels, while the children in the other group had higher stress levels. This difference was significant.

Not only is e-learning parent training, cost-effective but it can also improve the recovery process for children impacted by trauma. 

Understanding the Research

The study utilized a quasi-experimental design with control and intervention groups. It included children aged 10 to 18 who were hospitalized due to traumatic injuries and had post-traumatic stress symptom (PTSS) scores of 17 or higher.

The intervention was a four-week e-learning program created for parents in the intervention group. It was delivered through a custom website and covered key topics, including what PTSD is, its symptoms in children, and parenting strategies to help with recovery.

Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in PTSS (post-traumatic stress symptoms) scores between the control and intervention groups. After the intervention, PTSS scores in the intervention group dropped significantly, while scores in the control group increased.

Moreover, the digital format was accessible, user-friendly, and provided an affordable alternative to traditional methods.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Although online training is a powerful tool, parents and caregivers can implement important practices at home to help their children heal. Below are actionable tips:

Educate yourself about PTSD

Take the time to learn what PTSD is and how it manifests in children. Learning the symptoms of PTSD — such as flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, or sudden emotional changes — allows you to give your child the right support.

Download this PTSD Symptoms Worksheet to familiarize yourself with common signs and behaviors and track patterns in your child’s behaviors.

Limit the child’s exposure to trauma triggers

Trauma triggers are stimuli (such as sights, sounds, smells, or situations) that remind the child of their experience. Reducing exposure to triggers helps your child feel safe. However, keep in mind that excessive avoidance can reinforce their fears.

Instead, your goal should be to minimize exposure to overwhelming triggers while gradually helping them gain coping skills.

Consider therapy options

One effective type is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), which equips young people with skills to regulate their responses to trauma. For instance, a child who has flashbacks when hearing a loud noise might be taught grounding techniques to help focus on the present.

Another valuable intervention is play therapy, especially for younger children. Through play, children can safely express themselves and heal.

Read this article on Trauma Therapy for Children.

The authors suggest doing long-term studies and exploring training for both parents and healthcare professionals to improve PTSD care for children.

Start supporting your child’s recovery with our Trauma Worksheets. These resources track their symptoms and help them overcome the effects of trauma.