The effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme for parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a pilot randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in reducing parental stress among Chinese parents of children with ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results Summary
The study found that MBSR significantly reduced self-perceived stress and parental stress in the intervention group, with effects sustained at one-month follow-up. Limitations include a small sample size and lack of long-term follow-up.
Population
Chinese parents of children aged 3-12 years with ADHD, recruited from a parent resource center of a local nongovernmental organization.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
The intervention duration is not explicitly stated, but assessments were conducted before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme | decrease | self-perceived stress | parents of children aged 3-12 years with a diagnosis of ADHD | p < 0.001, ES = 0.192 | significant difference in self-perceived stress reduction | #1 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme | decrease | self-perceived stress score | intervention group | from 29.44 to 25.50 (p < 0.001) immediately after intervention | mean score decreased | #2 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme | decrease | self-perceived stress score | intervention group | from 29.44 to 24.72 (p < 0.05) at one month after the intervention | mean score further decreased | #3 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme | decrease | parental stress | parents of children with ADHD | p < 0.001, ES = 0.599 | significant differences between groups | #4 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme | decrease | parental stress level | intervention group | from 74.50 to 68.94 (p < 0.001) immediately after intervention | stress level decreased | #5 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme | decrease | parental stress level | intervention group | from 74.50 to 67.50 (p < 0.05) at one month after intervention | stress level further decreased | #6 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme | decrease | stress reduction | intervention group | - | statistically significant improvements | #7 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme | decrease | parental stress reduction | intervention group | - | statistically significant improvements | #8 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme | decrease | parental stress | parents of children with ADHD | - | effective in reducing | #9 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme | increase | mental well-being | parents of children with ADHD | - | effective in enhancing | #10 |
BACKGROUND: Parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often experience high levels of parental stress. This has exacerbated during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programme in the Chinese population, which is feasible among Chinese parents during the COVID-19 pandemic period in reducing the parental stress of parents compared with the usual care group. METHODS: This study was designed as a pilot randomized controlled trial with single-blind repeated measures. Parents of children aged 3-12 years with a diagnosis of ADHD were recruited from the parent resource center (PRC) of a local nongovernmental organization between June and August 2022. The participants were randomly assigned to the MBSR intervention group (n = 18) or usual care group (n = 18). RESULTS: With respect to the feasibility of the study, all 36 participants who were randomized fully completed the MBSR programme and assessments, resulting in a 100% attendance rate. 66% of the participants in the intervention group reported satisfaction with the intervention, which was helpful in reducing stress. They were willing to stay on this mindfulness-based programme in the future. The results of the repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a significant difference in self-perceived stress reduction between the groups (p < 0.001, ES = 0.192). The of within-group results revealed that the mean score of the intervention group decreased from 29.44 before the intervention to 25.50 (p < 0.001) immediately after intervention, and further decreased to 24.72 (p < 0.05) at one month after the intervention. By using the parental stress scale, the interaction effects also revealed significant differences between groups (p < 0.001, ES = 0.599). The stress level of the intervention group decreased from 74.50 before intervention, to 68.94 (p < 0.001) immediately after intervention, and further decreased to 67.50 (p < 0.05) at one month after intervention. These reports revealed statistically significant improvements in stress reduction and parental stress reduction in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: The pilot study revealed that MBSR is feasible and acceptable for parents of children with ADHD in Chinese culture. The findings also suggested that the MBSR programme was effective in reducing parental stress and enhancing mental well-being. This study was registered in the National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information Clinical Trials Registry as Version 1, and the trial registration data are available as NCT06210113, 28/2/2024.