A brief mindfulness- and compassion-based parenting programme delivered via instant messaging: Results and implications from two randomised controlled trials on reducing parental stress.
Doris L W Lam, Winnie W. S. Mak, Ben C. L. Yu
Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being December 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.70094 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 493 |
| Population | Parents with at least one child studying in nursery or primary school |
| Duration | 14-day intervention; follow-up 14 days after intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Stress, psychological Empathy Parents Adult Child Female Compassion Parenting stress Instant text messaging |
| Key findings | In two randomized controlled trials, a 14-day mindfulness- and compassion-based parenting program delivered via instant text messaging produced a significant time-by-group interaction effect on parenting stress in both studies. However, the intervention effects on parenting stress were not sustained at 14-day follow-up. The authors conclude that the brief program has the potential to reduce parenting stress. |
Abstract
High levels of parental stress can adversely affect both parents and children, leading to negative psychological outcomes. The present study consists of two randomised controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of a 14-day mindfulness- and compassion-based parenting programme delivered through instant text messaging in reducing parenting stress. Studies 1 and 2 recruited 222 and 271 parents in August 2021 and January 2022, respectively. All participants had at least one child studying in nursery or primary school. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a waitlist control group. Assessments were conducted before the intervention, immediately following the intervention and 14 days after the intervention. During the 14-day intervention, 14 audio recordings (ranging in length from 12 to 17 min) introducing parenting skills as well as mindfulness and compassion exercises were sent to the participants through WhatsApp and Signal. The primary outcome of both studies was parenting stress. Mental well-being, interpersonal mindfulness in parenting and parenting behaviours were measured as secondary outcomes. Data were analysed using linear mixed models with full maximum likelihood estimation. A significant time by group interaction effect on parenting stress was found in both studies. In both studies, intervention effects on parenting stress were not sustained at 14-day follow-up. The results of the present study provided evidence that a brief, instant messaging-based parenting programme has the potential to reduce parenting stress.
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 12
- A Model of Mindful Parenting: Implications for Parent–Child Relationships and Prevention Research Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review May 2, 2009
- 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
- Efficacy and Moderation of Mobile App–Based Programs for Mindfulness-Based Training, Self-Compassion Training, and Cognitive Behavioral Psychoeducation on Mental Health: Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial JMIR Mental Health July 29, 2018
- Mindfulness online: a preliminary evaluation of the feasibility of a web-based mindfulness course and the impact on stress BMJ Open 2012
- Benefits of Mindfulness for Parenting in Mothers of Preschoolers in Chile Frontiers in Psychology August 17, 2018
and 7 more in the library