Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program for Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

A six-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increased mindfulness and improved stress-coping strategies. Parents who completed the program showed a large increase in mindfulness scores, from an average of 57.9 to 78.5, while a control group showed no change. Self-confident and optimistic coping approaches also improved, and helpless and submissive approaches decreased. The program appears effective for boosting mindfulness and coping in these parents, which may in turn reduce stress for their children.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The current study was conducted to determine the effects of a 6-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program provided to parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study had an experimental design based on a pre-/posttest model with experimental (n = 40) and control (n = 40) groups. Parents of children with ASD who attend education and rehabilitation centers were included in the MBSR program, which taught effective coping using stress methods, breathing meditation, sitting meditation, body scan, and mindful eating. Upon completion of the MBSR program, participants showed a significant increase in posttest (mean = 78.525) compared to pretest (mean = 57.925) mindfulness (t = -11.221; p < .01; d = 1.774; 95% confidence interval [-24.313, -16.887]). There was no change in the control group. Posttest scores increased significantly compared to pretest scores for self-confident and optimistic approaches, and posttest scores for helpless and submissive approaches also showed significant differences (t[78] = -3.208; p < .05). The MBSR program provided to parents of children with ASD was effective in increasing mindfulness and coping with stress. Parents' mindfulness can contribute to reducing their children's stress levels and making their lives meaningful.