Effectiveness of Mindfulness Intervention on Emotional Stability and Parenting Stress Among Parents of Adolescents: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence involves substantial biological, emotional, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that may increase parenting demands and parental stress. Mindfulness-based interventions may promote emotional regulation, adaptive coping, and healthier responses to parenting challenges. Objective: To assess the effect of a structured mindfulness intervention on emotional stability and parental stress among parents of adolescents. Material and Methods: A quantitative quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control-group design was used in selected community areas of Sangli–Miraj–Kupwad Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra, India. A total of 88 parents of adolescents aged 13 to 17 years were selected through non-probability convenience sampling, with 44 participants each in the experimental and control groups. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, an investigator-developed Emotional Stability Scale, and the Parental Stress Scale [PSS]. The experimental group received a structured 21-day mindfulness intervention based on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy principles, incorporating breathing awareness, body scanning, emotional regulation, mindful communication, self-compassion, and mindful speaking and listening. The control group received no intervention. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired and independent samples t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation. Results: In the experimental group, mean emotional stability increased significantly from 31.00 (SD=4.120) to 38.20 (SD=2.906) (t=13.496, p<0.001), while mean parental stress decreased from 43.20 (SD=6.808) to 23.84 (SD=1.791) (t=−20.167, p<0.001). At post-test, emotional stability was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (38.20±2.906 vs. 28.02±3.015; t=16.127, p<0.001), while parental stress was significantly lower (23.84±1.791 vs. 39.39±4.205; t=−22.561, p<0.001). Emotional stability was inversely correlated with parental stress at baseline (r=−0.282, p=0.008). Conclusion: The structured mindfulness intervention was associated with improved emotional stability and reduced parental stress. Brief mindfulness-based interventions may be a feasible component of community and family mental health programmes. Further research using randomised designs, larger samples, validated multidimensional measures, and longer follow-up is recommended.