Efficacy and Implementation of Stress-Reduction Interventions for Underserved Families of Autistic Preschoolers Across In-Person and Virtual Modalities.
Rachel M Fenning, Cameron L. Neece, Catherine M. Sanner, Holly E. R. Morrell
Mindfulness December 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02250-0 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 117 |
| Population | Primary caregivers (91% female, 51% Latinx, 44% income < US $50,000) of 3- to 5-year-old autistic children (80% male, 68% with intellectual disability) |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Psychoeducational support |
| Duration | Assessments at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 6 and 12 months post-intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Autism spectrum disorder Parenting stress Psychoeducation Randomized controlled trial |
| Registration | NCT03459625 |
| Key findings | Both MBSR and PE demonstrated strong feasibility, acceptability, and utility, with comparable efficacy across in-person and virtual modalities, though virtual groups had significantly better attendance. |
Abstract
Parents of autistic children experience elevated stress relative to parents of children with neurotypical development and children with other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Adverse effects of parenting stress on parent, child, and family functioning may be especially heightened for marginalized families. We conducted a randomized controlled trial that demonstrated the efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) relative to psychoeducational support (PE) for reducing stress in diverse and underserved parents of autistic preschoolers. This paper presents implementation data, and examines efficacy across in-person and virtual intervention modalities. Primary caregivers (n = 117; 91% female, 51% Latinx, 44% income < US $50,000) of 3- to 5-year-old autistic children (80% male, 68% with intellectual disability) were randomly assigned to MBSR (n = 59, 46% virtual) or PE (n = 58, 41% virtual). Assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 6 and 12 months post-intervention. Both MBSR and PE demonstrated strong feasibility, acceptability, and utility for our diverse families. Comparable efficacy was observed across modalities. However, attendance was significantly better for virtual groups than for in-person groups. Parents participating in virtual MBSR also reported less difficulty completing homework and utilizing learned skills in everyday life than did in-person MBSR participants. MBSR and PE appear feasible, acceptable, and efficacious for diverse and underserved parents of young autistic children. Preliminary evidence of comparable efficacy across virtual and in-person modalities indicates the potential to expand access to vital stress-reduction interventions through use of telehealth technology. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03459625.
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
Cited by 2
- Family Carers of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities’ Perceptions of the Impact of an Online Mindfulness Programme Mindfulness July 8, 2026
- The impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy on individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers: A systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric Research January 29, 2026
Cites 11
- Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction for Parents of Young Children with Developmental Delays: Implications for Parental Mental Health and Child Behavior Problems Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities July 1, 2013
- Mindfulness-Based Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents: Direct and Long-Term Improvements Mindfulness October 5, 2017
- Comparative Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Psychoeducational Support on Parenting Stress in Families of Autistic Preschoolers Autism August 9, 2023
- Building a More Diverse and Inclusive Science: Mindfulness-Based Approaches for Latinx Individuals. Mindfulness March 8, 2022
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Self Compassion (SC) Training for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Trial in Community Services in Spain Children April 22, 2021
and 6 more in the library