Title: The effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme for parents of children with ADHD: A feasibility study
Abstract:
Background:
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme is an evidence-based intervention supported by extensive research showing its effectiveness in reducing stress, anxiety and depression and promoting well-being. However, it has not been evaluated in parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This group of parents is considered to be the highest risk group for parenting stress. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of MBSR programme in reducing parenting stress and enhance well-being of the parents of children with ADHD. The feasibility of using this intervention in Chinese parents are also assessed.
Methods and design:
The effectiveness of the 8-week MBSR programme for reducing parental stress among parents of children with ADHD was assessed by pre-test and post-test comparisons. Eighteen parents (n=18) of children with ADHD had recruited from one of the Parent Resource Centre. The primary outcome measures included parenting stress, sense of well-being and quality of life (Perceived Stress Scale, Parenting Stress Scale, WHOQLO-BREF) among the parents of children with ADHD. The secondary outcome measure was the change of children’s ADHD behaviour (SWAN). Assessments were conducted at baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention.
Results:
There was a statistically improvement on stress reduction after the 8-week MBSR programme especially on quality of life and parent-rated hyperactivity impulsivity of the children. The score of self-reported Perceived Stress Scale indicated significant reduction in self-perceived stress (p = 0.042) as well as the parenting stress (p = 0.009). Regarding the quality of life, significant post-intervention improvements were found (p = 0.001). For the children outcome measures (SWAN), significant improvement also found on post-intervention (p = 0.001).
Conclusion:
Results indicated that MBSR may be an effective intervention in reducing perceived stress and parenting stress of the children with ADHD even without provided any intervention for their children. Further study may consider using biomarkers to validate the findings and support that MBSR in an intervention that feasible in various healthcare settings.
Audience Take Away:
- Understand what is Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme.
- Evaluate how MBSR could help in various groups of population.
- It’s the trend to explore alternative non-pharmacological intervention in different groups of patient.
- Biomarkers could be considered.
