Improving empathy and self-efficacy in caregivers of persons with intellectual disabilities, using m-learning (HiSense APP-ID)

INTERVENTION: The effect of the HiSense APP‐ID will be assessed in two separate two‐group, parallel, single blinded randomized control trials. Parents and close family members are treated as one group, and professional caregivers as another group, are treated as separate groups in the analysis. Within each group a randomized controlled trial is conducted. The HiSense APP‐ ID uses questions, statements and practical examples to inform parents/relatives and professional caregivers about the influence of their sensitivity and reactivity in the context of attachment and communication. The m‐learning intervention is divided into short, daily sessions. Each day participants complete four multiple‐choice questions. They receive feedback on their original answer (correct or wrong) and an additional explanation is given for the correct answer. The topics are revisited repeatedly over time in different questions. The main topics in the intervention are 1) attachment theory in daily practice, 2) socio‐emotional functioning in persons with ID, 3) sensitivity and responsiveness to communicative signals, 4) emotion regulation, 5) observation and interpretation of behavior, and 6) basic knowledge about ID and common comorbidities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Each topic is addressed in 15 questions, except 1) attachment theory which has 45 questions. Phrasing is differentiated for parents/relatives and professional caregivers, corresponding to their relationship to individuals with ID. CONDITION: Intellectual disabillities, Empathy, Confidence, Attachment ; ; PRIMARY OUTCOME: Knowledgde test about attachment relationships; ; EmpathieQuotiënt and Interpersonal Reactivity Index; ; Self‐Efficacy in the Nurturing Role scale SECONDARY OUTCOME: Social Validity Scale and the influence of demographic characteristics of participants INCLUSION CRITERIA: The participants will be 116 parents/relatives of individuals with mild or moderate ID and 116 professional caregivers of persons with mild or moderate ID. Close relatives, such as a brother or sister, uncle or aunt, can participate if the parents of a client are no longer the primary caregiver in the family. Participants are invited to participate when they care for one or more persons with mild or moderate ID.