Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program for Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services January 23, 2026 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20260115-01
Summary
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder significantly boosted their mindfulness after a 6-week stress reduction program. Participants (n=40) saw their mindfulness scores jump from 57.9 to 78.5, a large effect (d=1.774). This program, teaching breathing and meditation, also increased self-confident and optimistic approaches while reducing helpless and submissive ones. A control group (n=40) showed no change. The intervention effectively enhanced parents' coping with stress, potentially benefiting their children's well-being and making their lives more meaningful.
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.