Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether instruction in mindfulness practices would results in improved self-reported mindfulness and reduced depression, anxiety, and family stress in parents of young children living in a low socioeconomic status (SES) neighborhood.
Methods: The study utilized a pretest-posttest group design to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mindfulness Ambassador Council-Interactive curriculum with attendees in a parent support program. Participants (n=15) were recruited from families with young children who received support from a community-based organization in one low-SES neighborhood in Atlanta. Mental health assessments, measures of family stress and parenting competency, and a demographic questionnaire with non-identifying questions were administered to all participants during the first and last session of the 8-week mindfulness program.
Results: Participants reported increased mindfulness and decreased levels of anxiety and depression. Parent reports of family stressors were relatively stable across the two time points, while self-reported parenting competence decreased.
Discussion: Based on the parents’ reports of program acceptability and the impact on their well-being, mindfulness training appears to be a promising strategy for addressing the stressors experienced by parents of young children.
First Page
49
Last Page
58
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Roach, Andrew T.; Mhende, Josephine; Barger, Brian A.; and Roberts, Douglas A.
(2019)
"Implementing Mindfulness Practices With Parents of Young Children in a Low-Socioeconomic Status Neighborhood,"
Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association: Vol. 7:
No.
2, Article 6.
DOI: 10.20429/jgpha.2019.070206
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/jgpha/vol7/iss2/6
Supplemental Reference List with DOIs