Comparative effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction and psychoeducational support on parenting stress in families of autistic preschoolers.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction versus psychoeducation and support in reducing parenting stress among parents of preschool-aged autistic children.
Results Summary
Both interventions significantly reduced parenting stress, but mindfulness-based stress reduction was more effective, with the strongest effects observed at the 12-month follow-up, suggesting lasting and potentially increasing benefits over time.
Population
Parents of preschool-aged autistic children
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based stress reduction | decrease | parenting stress | parents of preschool-aged autistic children | - | significantly decreased | #1 |
psychoeducation and support intervention | decrease | parenting stress | parents of preschool-aged autistic children | - | significantly decreased | #2 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction | decrease | parenting stress | parents of preschool-aged autistic children | - | reduced stress more than did psychoeducation and support | #3 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction | decrease | parenting stress | parents of preschool-aged autistic children | - | the strongest effect observed 1 year later | #4 |
Parents of autistic children often experience high levels of parenting stress, which can have negative mental and physical effects on both the parent and child. This study tested the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction in reducing parenting stress in parents of preschool-aged autistic children compared to a psychoeducation and support intervention. We assessed parenting stress before and after the interventions and at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Both interventions significantly decreased parenting stress, but mindfulness-based stress reduction reduced stress more than did psychoeducation and support, with the strongest effect observed 1 year later. This suggests that the stress-reducing benefits of mindfulness-based stress reduction persist and may increase over time.