Mindful Parenting for Caregivers of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorder Diagnosis

TL;DR

This pilot study explores how a mindful parenting program affects parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, showing improvements in parenting and mindfulness.

Contribution

The study provides initial evidence that mindful parenting interventions can improve specific parenting and mindfulness dimensions in caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Findings

Negative parenting significantly decreased after the intervention.

Mindfulness dimensions like Non-Judging and Non-Reacting improved significantly.

Acting with Awareness also showed a statistically significant improvement.

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.