Date of Award
Spring 5-25-2024
Document Type
Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Martha Fuller, PhD, PPCNP-BC
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to reduce stress levels of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by teaching them mindfulness practices and education on free and accessible methods to integrate mindfulness into their daily lives, as well as the benefits of mindfulness in reducing stress and improving psychological well-being.
Parents of children with ASD experience high levels of stress and numerous research studies support the use of mindfulness techniques to reduce stress levels in adults. The participants in this project included mothers who have at least one child with ASD who attend the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center (TANC) at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). These mothers were recruited via e-mail by the leader of a hospital-sponsored “moms’ group” for parents of children with ASD. The intervention was a 20-minute educational presentation and handout on the benefits of mindfulness, specific techniques, and available free mobile mindfulness applications held prior to a scheduled meeting. Prior to the education, participants completed an anonymous pre-survey via REDcap on their mobile devices including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and demographic questions.
The pre-education survey results found that most participants experienced moderate to high stress levels. None of the participants completed the post survey despite multiple efforts withe-mail reminders sent by TANC representative before and after the holidays in December 2023. The participants voiced their appreciation for the education upon completion of the session.
Digital USD Citation
James, Jacqueline, "Impact of Mindfulness Education and Resources on Stress in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts. 276.
https://digital.sandiego.edu/dnp/276
Copyright
Copyright held by the author
Permission to use PSS-10 for evidence-based project
UCLA Mindful Permission for Use.pdf (648 kB)
Permission to use UCLA Mindful/"Mindful Meditations" for evidence-based project