Mindfulness and communication intervention for mothers of children with developmental disabilities in Yangon: A randomized controlled trial on parental stress and problem-solving communication.
Than Than Win, Tassanee Prasopkittikun, Supapak Phetrasuwan, Chayapa Lenwari
International Journal of Nursing Sciences March 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2026.02.015 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 60 |
| Population | Mothers of school-aged children with developmental disabilities from a specialized daycare center in Yangon, Myanmar |
| Intervention | Mindfulness and Effective Communication Enhancement (MECE) program |
| Duration | 4-week intervention with follow-ups at Weeks 8 and 12 |
| Measures | Parental Stress Scale, Family Problem Solving Communication Index, program satisfaction survey |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Communication Developmental disabilities Mindfulness-based stress reduction Mothers Myanmar |
| Key findings | The MECE program reduced parental stress and improved problem-solving communication among mothers of children with developmental disabilities. Stress scores were lower in the intervention group at Week 4 (44.93 vs. 52.47), Week 8 (40.33 vs. 55.37), and Week 12 (43.07 vs. 52.63). Problem-solving communication scores were higher at Week 8 (21.70 vs. 18.93) and Week 12 (21.90 vs. 17.93). |
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the effects of the Mindfulness and Effective Communication Enhancement (MECE) program on parental stress and problem-solving communication among mothers of children with developmental disabilities in Yangon, Myanmar. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 mothers of school-aged children with developmental disabilities from a specialized daycare center in Yangon. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). The intervention group received the MECE program in addition to routine services, which included four weekly in-class sessions (Weeks 1-4) and two follow-up sessions (Weeks 6 and 10). At the same time, the control group received routine services. The outcomes were collected at baseline (Week 1), post-intervention (Week 4), and follow-ups at Week 8 and Week 12 using the Parental Stress Scale, the Family Problem Solving Communication Index, and a program satisfaction survey. All 60 mothers completed the study. The stress scores of mothers in the intervention group were lower than those in the control group at Week 4 (44.93 ± 8.00 vs. 52.47 ± 7.41), Week 8 (40.33 ± 7.00 vs. 55.37 ± 7.97), and Week 12 (43.07 ± 7.61 vs. 52.63 ± 7.97) after the intervention (P < 0.001). The mothers in the intervention group scored higher in family problem-solving communication at Week 8 (21.70 ± 4.35 vs. 18.93 ± 5.11) and Week 12 (21.90 ± 4.38 vs.17.93 ± 4.91) than the control group after the intervention (P < 0.05). The mean program satisfaction score of mothers in the intervention group was high (42.77 ± 2.97). The MECE program, integrating mindfulness practices with communication skill training, effectively reduced parental stress and improved problem-solving communication among mothers of children with developmental disabilities. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for nurses to implement targeted psychosocial interventions in similar situations.
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 4
- Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review British Medical Bulletin April 21, 2021
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Improving the Mental Health of Parents of Children with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of autism and developmental disorders March 13, 2025
- The effects of mindfulness-based self-compassion training on stress, psychological resilience, and well-being in parents of autistic children: a randomized controlled study Current Psychology June 27, 2025
- Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Parenting Programs in Reducing Parenting Stress in Parents of Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Siriraj Medical Journal June 1, 2022