Effectiveness of Conscious Parenting Training Based on the Imago Therapy Approach on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children and Conditional Regard of Their Mothers

Rafiee Foroushani, Samaneh; Izadi, Fatemeh

doi:10.22054/jpe.2026.86210.2821

Effectiveness of Conscious Parenting Training Based on the Imago Therapy Approach on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children and Conditional Regard of Their Mothers

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

samaneh rafiee Foroushani ¹

fatemeh izadi ²

¹ Corresponding Author, Department of Psychology, Kho.C., Islamic Azad University, Khomeinishahr, Iran. E-mail: dr.izadi@iau.ac.ir

² Department of Psychology, Kho.C., Islamic Azad University, Khomeinishahr, Iran. E-mail: samaneh.rafiee@iau.ir

https://doi.org/10.22054/jpe.2026.86210.2821

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Conscious Parenting Training based on the Imago Therapy approach on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms in children and the conditional regard of their mothers in Khomeinishahr County. This research utilized a quasi-experimental method with a pre-test-post-test design and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all mothers with children aged 8 to 12 years with ADHD in Khomeinishahr County during the 2023-2024 academic year. From this population, 30 mothers were selected using purposive sampling based on the inclusion criteria and randomly and equally assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received the Conscious Parenting Program Based on the Imago Therapy Approach in 8 sessions of 90 minutes, while the control group did not participate in this program. The instruments used in the study included the Conners' Parent Rating Scale for ADHD (1999) and Ruth et al.'s Conditional Parental Regard Scale (2009). The data were analyzed using covariance analysis with SPSS version 26. The results indicated that Conscious Parenting Training based on the Imago Therapy approach had a significant effect on ADHD symptoms in children and the conditional Regard of their mothers in the experimental group at the post-test stage, with statistically significant differences compared to the control group (P<0.05). Therefore, Conscious Parenting Training based on the Imago Therapy approach can be used to improve ADHD symptoms in children and the conditional Regard of their mothers.
Keywords: Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, imago relationship therapy, parent-child relations, parenting
Cite this Article: Rafiee Foroushani, S., & Izadi, F. (2025). Effectiveness of Conscious Parenting Training Based on the Imago Therapy Approach on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children and Conditional Regard of Their Mothers. Psychology of Exceptional Individuals, 15(60), 85-116. https://doi.org/10.22054/jpe.2026.86210.2821
© 2025 by Allameh Tabataba'i University Press
Publisher: Allameh Tabataba'i University Press

Extended Abstract
Introduction
Attention‑deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition shaped by both genetic and environmental factors and is characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that disrupt children’s academic, social, and family functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Wiel et al., 2022). Children with ADHD frequently struggle with self‑regulation and behavioral control, which can place substantial stress on family systems. Mothers, who often take primary responsibility for caregiving, are particularly vulnerable to heightened psychological pressure and parenting challenges (Scoten et al.,2024; Nourkojuri et al.,2024). One parenting response associated with such stress is parental conditional regard, in which affection and approval are contingent upon children’s behavior or performance. Although sometimes used to manage behavior, conditional regard has been shown to undermine children’s intrinsic motivation, emotional regulation, and psychological well‑being (Otterpohl et al.,2020; Haines et al.,2023; Bouffard et al.,2023). As a result, interventions that enhance parental awareness and emotional regulation may reduce reliance on conditional regard and improve parent–child relationships.
Mindful parenting interventions emphasize present‑moment awareness, emotional regulation, and compassionate interactions between parents and children. Imago relationship therapy is one framework aligned with these principles, focusing on conscious communication and healing relational experiences within the family (Hendrix & Hunt, 1998). Previous research indicates that mindfulness‑based and parent‑training programs can improve parenting practices and reduce behavioral problems in children (Nouri et al.,2023; Amini et al.,2023; Doffer et al.,2023; Makita et al.,2023; Mah et al.,2021). Despite these findings, research specifically examining Imago‑based mindful parenting for mothers of children with ADHD remains limited. Therefore, the present study investigated whether this intervention could reduce children’s ADHD symptoms and decrease mothers’ conditional regard, thereby enhancing the quality of parent–child interactions.
Research Question
Does mindful parenting training based on the Imago therapy reduce ADHD symptoms in children and parental conditional regard among mothers of children with ADHD?
Literature Review
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that can negatively affect children’s academic, social, and family functioning. Besides biological factors, environmental influences—especially parenting practices—play an important role in the persistence or worsening of ADHD symptoms (Wiel et al., 2022). Children with ADHD often experience behavioral and emotional difficulties that increase parental stress, particularly for mothers who typically assume the primary caregiving role (Al Yagon et al., 2020). In such contexts, parents may adopt conditional regard, a pattern in which affection and acceptance depend on the child’s behavior or performance. Although sometimes used to control behavior, conditional regard can function as psychological control, inducing guilt and weakening children’s intrinsic motivation, autonomy, and emotional regulation (Bouffard et al., 2023; Haines et al., 2023). Parent–child interactions in ADHD are often bidirectional: children’s behavioral problems increase parental stress, while ineffective parenting responses may further intensify these problems. Therefore, parenting interventions are recommended to improve family interactions and reduce behavioral difficulties (Khaleghi et al., 2020). Mindful parenting based on Imago therapy focuses on parents’ awareness of their childhood experiences and their impact on current parenting behaviors, promoting conscious communication and healthier parent–child relationships (Hendrix & Hunt, 1998; Matin et al., 2020). Although parenting programs have shown positive effects (Nouri et al., 2023; Amini et al., 2023; Doffer et al., 2023; Makita et al., 2023; Mah et al., 2021), research on Imago based mindful parenting for mothers of children with ADHD remains limited. This study examined its effectiveness in reducing ADHD symptoms and mothers’ conditional regard.
Methodology
The study employed a quasi experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group. The participants were mothers of children aged 8–12 years diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Khomeinishahr during the 2023–2024 academic year. Using purposive sampling, 30 eligible mothers were selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). Both groups completed the Conners Parent Rating Scale and the Parental Conditional Regard Questionnaire as pretests. The experimental group participated in eight 90 minute sessions of mindful parenting training based on the Imago therapy approach, while the control group received no intervention. The program emphasized increasing parental awareness, improving emotional regulation, practicing conscious dialogue, and establishing appropriate boundaries in parent–child interactions. Posttests were administered following the intervention. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS version 26. Ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation, were observed. The reliability of the instruments was acceptable, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.89 and 0.84.
Results
Table 1. Results of Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA)

Variable

Sum of Squares

df

Mean Square

F

Significance Level

Eta Squared

Statistical Power

Conduct Problems

31/125

1

31/125

36/439

0/001

0/584

1/00

Psychosomatic Problems

0/015

1

0/015

0/220

0/643

0/008

0/074

Anxiety–Withdrawal

3/308

1

3/308

4/057

0/054

0/135

0/492

Impulsivity

5/135

1

5/135

18/149

0/001

0/411

0/984

Learning Problems

11/089

1

11/089

30/985

0/001

0/544

1/00

Hypoactivity

2/303

1

2/303

3/702

0/065

0/125

0/457

Total ADHD Score

105/338

1

105/338

32/808

0/001

0/558

1/00

Positive Academic Conditional Regard

200/042

1

200/042

41/523

0/001

0/615

1/00

Negative Academic Conditional Regard

182/882

1

182/882

4/859

0/037

0/157

0/565

Positive Emotional Conditional Regard

204/335

1

204/335

59/700

0/001

0/697

1/00

Negative Emotional Conditional Regard

140/405

1

140/405

16/105

0/001

0/382

0/971

Total Conditional Regard Score

509/259

1

509/259

9/078

0/006

0/259

0/826

According to Table 4, the intervention had a statistically significant effect on several ADHD‑related outcomes, including conduct problems, psychosomatic problems, anxiety–withdrawal, learning problems, impulsivity, hypoactivity, and overall ADHD symptoms (p < .05). The intervention explained 58% of the variance in conduct problems, 41% in impulsivity, 54% in learning problems, 12% in hypoactivity, and 55% in total ADHD symptoms. Additionally, significant effects were found for parental conditional regard. The intervention accounted for 61% of the variance in positive academic conditional regard, 15% in negative academic conditional regard, 69% in positive emotional conditional regard, 38% in negative emotional conditional regard, and 25% in total conditional regard.
Discussion
The present study examined the effectiveness of mindful parenting training based on the Imago therapy approach on children’s Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and mothers’ conditional regard. The findings showed that the intervention significantly reduced ADHD symptoms in the experimental group, while no significant changes were observed in the control group. These results suggest that mindful parenting grounded in Imago therapy can improve children’s behavioral and attentional functioning through increased parental awareness, improved emotional regulation, and more effective parent–child interactions. Parents who learn mindful parenting skills are better able to respond calmly to children’s behaviors and establish healthier communication patterns. The findings also indicated a significant decrease in mothers’ conditional regard after the intervention. Mindful parenting based on Imago therapy encourages unconditional acceptance and emotional availability rather than linking affection to children’s behavior or performance. Overall, the results support previous studies highlighting the benefits of mindful parenting interventions in improving parent–child relationships and reducing behavioral difficulties in children with ADHD.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mindful parenting training based on the Imago therapy approach was effective in reducing ADHD symptoms in children and decreasing mothers’ conditional regard. Despite limitations such as non random sampling and the absence of a follow up phase, the results highlight the practical value of this intervention. It is recommended that educators, clinicians, and child development practitioners implement this program in school and clinical settings to promote mindful parenting, improve parent–child relationships, and support children with ADHD in academic and everyday contexts.
Ethical Considerations
Adherence to Research Ethics Principles
This study received the ethics code IR.IAU.KHSH.REC.1403.005 from the Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University, Khomeinishahr Branch. The authors have observed all ethical principles in conducting and publishing this scientific research, and this is confirmed by all of them.
Author Contributions

Data collection: Samaneh Rafiei Forushani
Research report preparation: Samaneh Rafiei Forushani
Data analysis: Samaneh Rafiei Forushani

The contributions of the authors in this article, which is derived from a dissertation, are as follows:

First Author: Preparation of samples, conducting experiments and data collection, performing calculations, statistical analysis of data, analysis and interpretation of information and results, and drafting the original manuscript.
Second Author (Supervisor): Study design, supervision of the research process, verification and validation of results, and revision, review, and finalization of the manuscript.

Author Contributions
All authors contributed equally to the conceptualization of the article and the writing of the original and subsequent drafts.
Conflict of Interest
“The authors declare no conflict of interest.”
Acknowledgements
The researchers would like to sincerely thank all professors and mothers who cooperated in conducting this research.

Keywords

Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity

imago relationship therapy

parent-child relations

parenting

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