Mindful Parenting for Caregivers of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorder Diagnosis
P Muratori, Alessia Catarina, Anna Conversano, Valentina Levantini, S. Villani, Annarita Milone
Children February 26, 2026 DOI: 10.3390/children13030325 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA mindful parenting intervention delivered over eight sessions to parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders was associated with small-to-moderate improvements in negative parenting and three mindfulness facets (acting with awareness, non-judging, non-reacting). The single-group pre–post pilot study included 63 adults (40 females; mean age 44 years). No changes were reported for positive parenting or the other mindfulness dimensions measured. The authors interpret the results as preliminary evidence that such interventions may benefit this parent population.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Pilot study, single-group pre–post design Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 63 |
| Population | Parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis followed in a child psychiatry hospital |
| Intervention | Mindful parenting intervention |
| Dose | eight sessions |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Intervention counseling Neurodevelopmental disorder Psychological intervention Positive parenting |
| Key finding | The intervention improved negative parenting and three mindfulness facets (acting with awareness, non-judging, non-reacting) from pre- to post-intervention. |
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to examine the effect of an eight-session mindful parenting intervention on parents’ mindfulness and parenting dimensions. Methods: The intervention was delivered to parents of children with Neurodevelopmental Disorder Diagnosis, followed in a child psychiatry hospital. The sample included 63 adults (40 females; mean age = 44 years). At the beginning and end of the intervention, participants completed questionnaires assessing positive and negative parenting and five mindfulness dimensions. Paired-sample t-tests were conducted to detect significant changes in the relevant measures from pre- to post-intervention. Results: Results revealed improvements in Negative Parenting (t = 2.82, p = 0.008, Hedges g = 0.29), Acting with Awareness (t = −2.14, p = 0.039, Hedges g = 0.26), Non-Judging (t = −2.17, p = 0.037, Hedges g = 0.35), and Non-Reacting (t = −2.68, p = 0.011, Hedges g = 0.52). Conclusions: Despite its preliminary results and single-group pre–post design, this pilot study aligns with evidence supporting mindful parenting interventions and provides initial insights into their impact on parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.