The effect of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on stress and quality of life in mothers of children with physical disabilities: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.
Cengiz Taşkaya, Leyla Sezgin, Necmettin Çiftci
Journal of Affective Disorders June 15, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2026.122131 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 62 |
| Population | Mothers of children with physical disabilities |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Disability Mothers Quality of life Stress |
| Key findings | MBSR significantly reduced parental stress and increased mindfulness, and improved psychological and environmental quality of life domains in mothers of children with physical disabilities. |
Abstract
Mothers of children with physical disabilities often experience caregiving-related stress that may negatively affect their psychological well-being and quality of life. Mindfulness-based interventions may help reduce stress by improving awareness and emotional regulation. This study aimed to examine the effect of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on parental stress, mindfulness, and quality of life in mothers of children with physical disabilities. This single-blind randomized controlled trial included 62 mothers randomly assigned to either the MBSR group (n = 32) or the control group (n = 30). The intervention group received an 8-week MBSR program with weekly 60-90 minute sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Parent Stress Scale (PSS), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). Data were analyzed using repeated measures two-way analysis of variance in SPSS version 25. Compared with the control group, the MBSR group showed a significant reduction in parental stress and a significant increase in mindfulness (p < 0.05). Significant improvements were also observed in the psychological and environmental domains of quality of life (p < 0.05), whereas no significant between-group differences were found in the physical and social domains (p > 0.05). The MBSR program increases the level of mindfulness in parents of physically disabled children, reduces perceived stress, and significantly improves the quality of life, particularly in terms of psychological and environmental dimensions. Mindfulness-based interventions may be considered as a supportive approach within family-centered rehabilitation programs.
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 10
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 1992
- Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Stress and Health March 15, 2010
- How long does a mindfulness‐based stress reduction program need to be? A review of class contact hours and effect sizes for psychological distress Journal of Clinical Psychology March 23, 2009
- Increased Mindfulness Is Related to Improved Stress and Mood Following Participation in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program in Individuals With Cancer Integrative Cancer Therapies April 13, 2012
and 5 more in the library