The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Hope and Distress Tolerance in Mothers of Children with Physical Disabilities

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on hope and distress tolerance in mothers of children with physical disabilities.

Methods and Materials: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included mothers of children with physical disabilities who attended specialized schools in Tehran. A total of 24 mothers were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. The experimental group participated in an 8-session MBSR program, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Hope and Distress Tolerance Questionnaires and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests.

Findings: The ANOVA results showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in the variables of hope (F(1, 22) = 45.67, p < 0.001) and distress tolerance (F(1, 22) = 37.89, p < 0.001). The Bonferroni post-hoc test revealed that the mean scores of hope in the experimental group increased by 13.33 points from pre-test to post-test (p < 0.001) and by 12.66 points from pre-test to follow-up (p < 0.001). Similarly, the mean scores of distress tolerance in the experimental group increased by 15.44 points from pre-test to post-test (p < 0.001) and by 14.11 points from pre-test to follow-up (p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the control group.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction significantly increases hope and distress tolerance in mothers of children with physical disabilities. This program can be used as an effective method to improve the psychological well-being and quality of life of these mothers.