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Title Effectiveness of “Mindful Parenting” Program in Reducing Parenting Stress

Author(s) Uzma Shafiq

Abstract Parenting stress is not only a personal burden but also a profound determinant of the mental health crisis in children and youth, which is showing an upward trend in the contemporary world. This context underscores the need for effective interventions to mitigate the effects of parenting stress and foster healthier families. While a multitude of evidence-based interventions to reduce parenting stress have been established in Western contexts, Pakistan faces a stark scarcity in comparable research and programs. The present study aims to culturally adapt, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of Mindful Parenting (MP) program for Pakistani parents facing parenting stress. MP, an evidence-based intervention underpinned by the cognitive parenting paradigm, has proven its efficacy in reducing parenting stress across multiple cultures and settings. This work represents the first intervention study employing a mindfulness-based program conducted in Pakistan to reduce parenting stress. The present research comprises four studies. Study I was designed to pilot test the Mindful Parenting program in its original form and the outcome measures on a sample of six parents. In light of their feedback, cultural adaptation and translation of the program and outcome measures into Urdu were conducted in Study II by employing the heuristic model developed by Barrera and Castro (2006). Cultural mismatches were identified in the content and structure of MP, while maintaining its core elements. Islamic concepts and teachings, along with cultural elements, were added to the adapted version. A pilot test was conducted for the culturally adapted Urdu version of MP, named Bashaoor Tarbiyat-e-Aulad, and outcome measures. A sample of 10 mothers participated in the study. The results indicated moderate to good reliability across all outcome measures. Based on the mothers' feedback, Bashaoor Tarbiyat-e-Aulad was considered an effective intervention for Pakistani parents combating parenting stress. Study III was designed to test the efficacy of Bashaoor Tarbiyat-e-Aulad in reducing parenting stress and to assess its effects on the well-being of both parents and children. Utilizing a randomized control trial (RCT) with a waitlist control group, 127 mothers (Mean age = 36.56, SD = 6.00) were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=63) and the control conditions (n=64). Pre- and post- intervention scores on outcome measures were taken, with the outcome measures categorized into three domains: parenting, parental wellbeing, and child emotional and behavioral problems. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were conducted to evaluate between-group and within- group changes, as well as interaction effects. Effect sizes were calculated for both groups independently. The results showed significant differences in all domains except for the sub- domain of marital satisfaction. A significant reduction in parenting stress was found in the intervention group where the mothers also showed a significant increase in parental sense of competence, mindful parenting, self-compassion, couple satisfaction, mental well- being, and mindfulness as compared to those in control group. Similarly, a significant reduction in internalizing and externalizing problems was observed in the children of the intervention group as compared to those of control group, along with a significant increase in prosocial behavior, as reported by the mothers in intervention group. Study IV was designed to gather detailed feedback about the contents, delivery and effects of Bashaoor Tarbiyat-e-Aulad and give a booster session to the mothers. The study provides preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of Bashaoor Tarbiyat-e-Aulad for Pakistani parents. Despite its limitations, the results of this study are promising and suggest that Bashaoor Tarbiyat-e-Aulad is an effective intervention for reducing parenting stress and promoting both parental and child well-being, even when implemented in diverse contexts and settings. The implications of this study are discussed in relation to the implementation of the program for other relevant populations of parents and children, either as a standalone intervention or in combination with behavioral parenting programs to maximize its benefits for fostering a healthy and thriving society.

Type Thesis/Dissertation PhD

Faculty Social Sciences

Department Psychology

Language English

Publication Date 2025-07-25

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