Parallel Parent–Child Mindfulness Intervention for Migrant Families' Adaptation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Parent and child sociocultural adaptation is essential to migrant family well-being, and community-based mindfulness training may support this process. However, evidence on mindfulness interventions for migrant families remains scarce, particularly those engaging parent and child simultaneously. This study evaluates a parallel parent-child mindfulness intervention targeting sociocultural adaptation, psychological adjustment, and family relationships among Chinese new-arrival families in Hong Kong. In a randomized controlled trial, 116 parent-child dyads were assigned to an 8-week mindfulness intervention or routine community services. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up. Compared with controls, the intervention significantly improved parents' sociocultural adaptation, with attenuated effects at follow-up. It also increased parent life satisfaction and reduced parenting stress at posttest. Child outcomes were largely nonsignificant, except for short-term improvements in social interaction and life satisfaction at posttest. Indirect effects of the intervention through parent sociocultural adaptation were nonsignificant, with estimates in the hypothesized direction for parent life satisfaction (B = 0.94, 95% CI [-0.02, 1.90]) and psychological distress (B = -1.42, 95% CI [-2.89, 0.04]). No mediation effects were observed among children. Subgroup analyses indicated that effects on parent adaptation and life satisfaction varied by child sex and family length of residence, with sustained effects observed only among parents of boys and families residing in Hong Kong for less than 2 years. Findings suggest that parallel parent-child mindfulness interventions may support specific aspects of migrant families' adaptation, with more consistent and sustained effects for parents than for children.