Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Feasibility Study of a Brief Mindfulness-Based Program for Parents of Preschool Children with Developmental Disabilities

  • ORIGINAL PAPER
  • Published:
Mindfulness Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Parents of children with developmental disabilities are more likely to report parental stress and depression. This, in turn, leads to vicious cycles of negative outcomes for these children and the family’s well-being. To address the difficulties of such parents, the authors developed a brief mindfulness-based program for parents of children with developmental disabilities (six weekly sessions, nine total contact hours, and 10 min of daily home practice). A randomized control trial was designed to examine the effectiveness of the program, and 180 eligible parents were recruited and were allocated to intervention group and control group. The results showed that after completing the program, parents had significant improvements in parental stress (F[1, 176] = 4.76, p = .03), depression (F[1, 176] = 8.07, p = .01), and stress from parent–child dysfunctional interaction (F[1, 176] = 6.46, p = .01). Based on the pretest scores, parents with severe stress and depression reported more significant positive changes, and they reported moderate effect sizes of 0.62 for stress and 0.57 for depression, respectively. Participant satisfaction scores revealed that the parents were satisfied with the content and overall program arrangement, and agreed that their ability to cope with emotions and stress was enhanced. The results gave support to the program’s feasibility. Future studies could further compare this brief program with a child behavior management program to investigate the outcomes and long-term benefits of this brief program. More directions for further studies are provided.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abidin, R. R. (1990). Parenting Stress Index/Short Form. Lutz: Psychological Assessment Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baer, R. A. (2003). Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: a conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10, 125–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bazzano, A., Wolfe, C., Zylowska, L., Wang, S., Schuster, E., Barrett, C., & Lehrer, D. (2015). Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) for parents and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities: a community-based approach. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 24, 298–308.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benn, R., Akiva, T., Arel, S., & Roeser, R. W. (2012). Mindfulness training effects for parents and educators of children with special needs. Developmental Psychology, 48, 1476–1487.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bennett-Levy, J., Richards, D. A., & Farrand, P. (2010). Low intensity CBT interventions: a revolution in mental health care. In J. Bennett-Levy, D. A. Richards, P. Farrand, H. Christensen, K. M. Griffiths, D. J. Kavanaugh, et al. (Eds.), Low intensity CBT interventions (pp. 3–18). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bogels, S. (2013). MYmind mindfulness for children and adolescetns with ADHD: therapist's manual. Amsterdan: University of Amsterdam.

  • Bogels, S. M., & Restifo, K. (2014). Mindful parenting: a guide for mental health practitioners. New York: Springer.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Bögels, S. M., Hellemans, J., van Deursen, S., Römer, M., & van der Meulen, R. (2014). Mindful parenting in mental health care: effects on parental and child psychopathology, parental stress, parenting, coparenting, and marital functioning. Mindfulness, 5, 536–551.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bower, P., Kontopantelis, E., Sutton, A., Kendrick, T., Richards, D. A., Gilbody, S., et al. (2013). Influence of initial severity of depression on effectiveness of low intensity interventions: meta-analysis of individual patient data. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 346, 11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boyle, C. A., Boulet, S., Schieve, L. A., Cohen, R. A., Blumberg, S. J., Yeargin-Allsopp, M., et al. (2011). Trends in the prevalence of developmental disabilities in US children, 1997–2008. Pediatrics, 127, 1034–1042.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cachia, R. L., Anderson, A., & Moore, D. W. (2016). Mindfulness, stress and well-being in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 25, 1–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carroll, D. W. (2013). Families of children with developmental disabilities: understanding stress and opportunities for growth. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Coatsworth, J. D., Duncan, L. G., Berrena, E., Bamberger, K. T., Loeschinger, D., Greenberg, M. T., & Nix, R. L. (2014). The mindfulness-enhanced strengthening families program: integrating brief mindfulness activities and parent training within an evidence-based prevention program. In E. Oberle & K. Schonert-Reichl (Eds.), Mindfulness in adolescence (pp. 45–58). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coatsworth, J. D., Duncan, L. G., Nix, R. L., Greenberg, M. T., Gayles, J. G., Bamberger, K. T., et al. (2015). Integrating mindfulness with parent training: effects of the mindfulness-enhanced strengthening families program. Developmental Psychology, 51, 26–35.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences (2nd ed.). Hillsdale: L. Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crane, R. S., Eames, C., Kuyken, W., Hastings, R. P., Williams, J. M. G., Bartley, T., et al. (2013). Development and validation of the mindfulness-based interventions–teaching assessment criteria (MBI: TAC). Assessment, 20, 681–688.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davis, M. C., & Zautra, A. J. (2013). An online mindfulness intervention targeting socioemotional regulation in fibromyalgia: results of a randomized controlled trial. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 46, 273–284.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Duncan, L. G., Coatsworth, J. D., & Greenberg, M. T. (2009). A model of mindful parenting: implications for parent–child relationships and prevention research. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 12, 255–270.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Duncan, L. G., Coatsworth, J. G., Gayles, J. G., Geier, M. H., & Greenberg, M. T. (2015). Can mindful parenting be observed? Relations between observational ratings of mother–youth interactions and mothers’ self-report of mindful parenting. Journal of Family Psychology, 29, 276–282.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Dykens, E. M., Fisher, M. H., Taylor, J. L., Lambert, W., & Miodrag, N. (2014). Reducing distress in mothers of children with autism and other disabilities: a randomized trial. Pediatrics, 134, e454–e463.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Estes, A., Olson, E., Sullivan, K., Greenson, J., Winter, J., Dawson, G., & Munson, J. (2013). Parenting-related stress and psychological distress in mothers of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders. Brain & Development, 35, 133–138.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gehart, D. R. (2012). Mindfulness and acceptance in couple and family therapy. New York: Springer.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, V. B. (2007). Comparison of parenting stress in different developmental disabilities. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 19, 417–425.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haskett, M. E., Scott, S. S., Grant, R., Ward, C. S., & Robinson, C. (2003). Child-related cognitions and affective functioning of physically abusive and comparison parents. Child Abuse & Neglect, 27, 663–686.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hwang, Y., & Kearney, P. (2013). A systematic review of mindfulness intervention for individuals with developmental disabilities: long-term practice and long lasting effects. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34, 314–326.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living: using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain and illness. New York: Delacorte.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kabat-Zinn, J. (2010). Foreword. In D. McCown, D. Reibel, & M. S. Micozzi (Eds.), Teaching mindfulness: a practical guide for clinicians and educators (3rd ed.). New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klatt, M. D., Buckworth, J., & Malarkey, W. B. (2009). Effects of low-dose mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR-ld) on working adults. Health Education & Behavior, 36, 601–614.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leung, C., Fan, A., & Sanders, M. R. (2013). The effectiveness of a group triple P with Chinese parents who have a child with developmental disabilities: a randomized controlled trial. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34, 976–984.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lo, H. H. M., Yeung, J. W. K., Chan, S. K. C., Ma, Y., Siu, A. F. Y., Szeto, M. P., …, & Duncan, L. G. (n.d.). A study of validating of the Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale in Hong Kong Chinese.

  • Mazzucchelli, T. G., & Sanders, M. R. (2011). Preventing behavioural and emotional problems in children who have a developmental disability: a public health approach. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32, 2148–2156.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Modesto-Lowe, V., Danforth, J. S., & Brooks, D. (2008). ADHD: does parenting style matter? Clinical Pediatrics, 47, 865–872.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Neece, C. L. (2014). Mindfulness-based stress reduction for parents of young children with developmental delays: implications for parental mental health and child behavior problems. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 27, 174–186.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nyklíček, I., Mommersteeg, P. M. C., Van Beugen, S., Ramakers, C., & Van Boxtel, G. J. (2013). Mindfulness-based stress reduction and physiological activity during acute stress: a randomized controlled trial. Health Psychology, 32, 1110–1113.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Radloff, L. S. (1977). The CES-D scale: a self-report depression scale for research in the general population. Applied Psychological Measurement, 1, 385–401.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Risdal, D., & Singer, G. H. S. (2004). Marital adjustment in parents of children with disabilities: a historical review and meta-analysis. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 29, 95–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robinson, E. A., Eyberg, S. M., & Ross, A. W. (1980). The standardization of an inventory of child conduct problem behaviors. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 9, 22–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rycroft-Malone, J., Anderson, R., Crane, R., Gibson, A., Gradinger, F., Owen Griffiths, H., et al. (2014). Accessibility and implementation in UK services of an effective depression relapse prevention programme—mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT): ASPIRE study protocol. Implementation Science, 9, 62–71.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Schumm, W. R., Paff-Bergen, L., Hatch, R. C., Obiorah, F. C., Copeland, J. M., Meens, L. D., & Bugaighis, M. A. (1986). Concurrent and discriminant validity of the KANSAS marital satisfaction scale. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 48, 381–387.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Segal, Z. V., Teasdale, J. D., & Williams, J. M. (2013). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: a new approach to preventing relapse. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singer, G. H. S. (2006). Meta-analysis of comparative studies of depression in mothers of children with and without developmental disabilities. American Journal on Mental Retardation, 111, 155–169.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Singer, G. H. S., Ethridge, B. L., & Aldana, S. I. (2007). Primary and secondary effects of parenting and stress management interventions for parents of children with developmental disabilities: a meta-analysis. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 13, 357–369.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Singh, N. N., Lancioni, G. E., Winton, A. S. W., Singh, J., Curtis, W. J., Wahler, R. G., & McAleavey, K. M. (2007). Mindful parenting decreases aggression and increases social behavior in children with developmental disabilities. Behavior Modification, 31, 749–771.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Whittinghan, K. (2014). Parents of children with disabilities, mindfulness and acceptance: a review and a call for research. Mindfulness, 5, 704. doi:10.1007/s12671-013-0224-8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zajicek-Farber, M. L. (2012). Caring and coping: helping the family of a child with a disability. In M. L. Batshaw, N. Roizen, & G. R. Lotrecchiano (Eds.), Children with disabilities, 7th ed., (chapter 37). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the sponsorship of the Social Welfare Development Fund of the Social Welfare Department of Hong Kong SAR Government in this mindful parenting project.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China

    Herman Hay Ming Lo & Chun Wah Choi

  2. Heep Hong Society, Hong Kong, Units J-L, 10/F, MG Tower, 133 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China

    Stanley Kam Chung Chan, Miu Ping Szeto & Christina Ying Ha Chan

Authors
  1. Herman Hay Ming Lo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Stanley Kam Chung Chan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Miu Ping Szeto
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Christina Ying Ha Chan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Chun Wah Choi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

HHML: designed and executed the study, implemented the program, analyzed the data, and wrote the manuscript. SKCC: designed the study and implemented the program. MPS: submitted funding proposal and designed the study. CC: collaborated with the design. CWC: analyzed the data and edited the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Herman Hay Ming Lo.

Ethics declarations

The study obtained the ethical approval of the Research and Contracts Office of the affiliated university of the first author and was registered under the Centre for Clinical Research and Biostatistics Clinical Trials Registry, Hong Kong (ref. CUHK_CCRB00482). Written consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Lo, H.H.M., Chan, S.K.C., Szeto, M.P. et al. A Feasibility Study of a Brief Mindfulness-Based Program for Parents of Preschool Children with Developmental Disabilities. Mindfulness 8, 1665–1673 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0741-y

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0741-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation