Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program for Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Havva Kaçan, Havva Enıse Oguz
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services January 23, 2026 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20260115-01 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 80 |
| Population | Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder who attend education and rehabilitation centers |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program |
| Duration | 6-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | A six-week MBSR program significantly increased mindfulness and improved coping strategies in parents of children with ASD. |
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.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects Psychological Inquiry October 19, 2007
- Defining Mindfulness: A Review of Existing Definitions and Suggested Refinements Mindfulness 2025
- Effects of a Stress Management Training Program With Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Journal of Nursing Education May 1, 2019
and 2 more in the library