The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on self-compassion and parent-child relationship quality in health caregivers

Summary

For health caregivers navigating demanding careers, a Mindfulness-Based intervention offers significant relief. Researchers explored if this approach could reduce stress, enhance Self-Compassion, and improve the Parent-Child relationship. Forty health caregivers participated, with half attending eight weekly mindfulness sessions. Results showed participants experienced significantly less stress, increased Self-Compassion, and stronger Parent-Child relationships. This highlights how fostering mindfulness helps working mothers better regulate emotions and connect positively with their children.

Abstract

Abstract Background Women’s increasing workforce participation has led to stress, anxiety, and strained parent-child relationships, highlighting the need for effective interventions. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a promising yet underutilized approach to improving psychological well-being and parenting quality. This study examines its impact on self-compassion and parent-child relationships among health caregivers. Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 40 health caregivers in Masjed Soleyman, randomly assigned to intervention (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. The intervention group participated in eight 90-minute mindfulness-based stress reduction sessions over two months. Data were collected using the Parent-Child Relationship Scale (PCRS), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) before and two months after the intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27 and included paired t-tests, independent t-tests, chi-square tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results Before the intervention, no significant differences were observed between groups in stress (P = 0.583) or self-compassion (P = 0.738). Post-intervention, stress (P = 0.001) and self-compassion (P = 0.001) significantly improved in the intervention group. Parent-child relationship scores also increased significantly (P = 0.001). Conclusion MBSR effectively enhances self-compassion, reduces stress, and strengthens parent-child relationships in working mothers. By fostering mindfulness and acceptance of their parenting role, mothers improved emotional regulation and connected more positively with their children. Trial registration Trial Id: 85639. IRCT Id: IRCT20223065147N2 . Registration date: 2025-09-28. Membership number: 65147.503

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