The EQo-Mental project: A protocol for a mixed-methods study on occupational balance and mental health in parents of children with developmental delays

Abstract

Parents of children with developmental delays (DD) often face significant challenges that affect their mental health and occupational balance. While early intervention services traditionally focus on child development, the occupational needs and well-being of parents remain underexplored. The EQo-Mental project aims to examine the association between parental mental health, occupational balance, and meaningful activity engagement, and to co-develop family-centred strategies that promote well-being in early intervention contexts.