Parallel Parent–Child Mindfulness Intervention Among Chinese Migrant Families: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study

Shuang Lu*, Renhui Lyu, Hui Hu, Kristy K. M. Ho, Tom J. Barry, David Black, Daniel F. K. Wong

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the feasibility and effects of a parallel parent–child mindfulness intervention on parenting stress, child behavior, and parent–child relationship among low-income migrant families. Methods: Using a quasi-experimental design, 21 Chinese migrant parents and one child of each parent were assigned to an 8-week intervention (n = 11 pairs) or waitlist control (n = 10 pairs). Semi-structured qualitative interviews and pre–post quantitative measures were used to assess intervention feasibility and effects. Results: Qualitative interviews suggest mindfulness training promotes family well-being through enhanced parental and child emotional regulation. Quantitative results suggest within-group parenting stress significantly decreased in the intervention group (partial η2 =.423) but not in controls (partial η2 =.000); between-group analyses showed a nonsignificant, medium effect size on parenting stress (partial η2 =.069). Conclusions: The intervention shows good feasibility and initial support for reducing parenting stress. Future research requires a larger randomized controlled trial among high-stress populations such as migrant families.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)925-939
Number of pages15
JournalResearch on Social Work Practice
Volume32
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2022

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Psychology(all)
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Sociology and Political Science

User-Defined Keywords

  • family
  • migrant
  • mindfulness
  • parallel intervention
  • parenting

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