Effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Therapy Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Past research in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) field has raised concerns about the effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) therapy as a parent-focused intervention. A better understanding of the efficacy of this intervention can inform clinicians and policymakers and lead to improved outcomes for both parents and children. This systematic review aimed to examine studies measuring the effectiveness of MBSR intervention among parents of children with ASD (>2.5 yr) and investigate its outcome on parent-child mental health and wellbeing. An electronic database search was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, Springer and Science Direct. This review indicated that MBSR plays a vital role as a proven intervention in improving parents' mental health, mainly on parental stress, mindfulness, anxiety, depression, child behaviour and life satisfaction. At the same time, MBSR has indirect positive effects on the ASD child's behaviour and mental health. This review verified previous studies on the outcome of MBSR therapy among parents of children with ASD and highlighted potential support areas. Implications for future research, policy and practice are also discussed in this paper.