Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Psychological Distress, Attachment, Coping and Caring Behavior of Mothers of Neonates with Congenital Anomalies
Amal Younis, N. Elkandoz, S. Behilak, Fareda Elsayed Abd Elkawy Osman
Menoufia Nursing Journal July 1, 2025 DOI: 10.21608/menj.2025.447336 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Quasi-experimental (single group pre, post and follow-up) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 60 |
| Population | Mothers of neonates with congenital anomalies at a neonatal intensive care unit and outpatient pediatric clinics of Tanta University Hospital |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction program |
| Measures | Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale, Coping Health Inventory for Parents questionnaire, Caring behavior |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Mothers who attended the mindfulness-based stress reduction program showed lower psychological distress (53.3% mild posttest vs 75% moderate/severe pretest), higher maternal attachment (57.74 vs 24.32), more helpful coping (73.3% vs 60% not helpful), and better caring behavior (95% good vs 91.7% poor). The authors recommend incorporating the program as routine intervention for all mothers of neonates with congenital anomalies. |
Abstract
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Background: For families, especially mothers, the birth of a newborn with congenital defects is frequently difficult and unexpected experience.
Purpose: To identify the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction program on psychological distress, attachment, coping and caring behavior of mothers of neonates with congenital anomalies. Setting : The study was conducted at neonatal intensive care unit and outpatient pediatric clinics of Tanta University Hospital. Design : quasi-experimental (single group pre, post and follow-up). Sampling: 60 mothers of neonates with congenital anomalies were chosen as a convenience sample. Instruments : Three instruments were used (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale., Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale, Coping Health Inventory for Parents questionnaire and Caring behavior). Results : There was a reduction in the level of psychological distress among mothers (53.3% had mild distress posttest Vs 75%of them had moderate &sever distress before program). Also, there was an increase in mean score of coping behavior (73.3% helpful coping on posttest Vs 60% not helpful coping on pretest). Besides, there was an improvement in maternal attachment (57.74± 7.92 posttest Vs 24.32±2.53 pretest) and increase in caring behavior (95% good care posttest Vs 91.7% poor pretest) Conclusion : Mothers who attended mindfulness-based stress reduction program had lower level of psychological distress, higher level of maternal attachment, higher level of helpful coping and higher level of good caring behavior on post program than before. Recommendations : The current program should be involved as a usual routine intervention for all mothers having neonates with congenital anomalies.