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)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| 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 |
| Duration | Eight-session intervention, pre-post assessment |
| Measures | questionnaires assessing positive and negative parenting and five mindfulness dimensions |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Intervention counseling Neurodevelopmental disorder Psychological intervention Positive parenting Typically developing Clinical psychology Developmental psychology |
| Key points | 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.