“Nurturing Parents”–Mindfulness-Based Parent Well-Being Group in Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Objectives: Parents of a child with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at increased risk of anxiety and depression. We examine the feasibility and acceptability of nurturing parents (NP) mindfulness-based parent well-being group in CF using a mixed methods design. NP is an 8 week group designed to help parents cultivate (a) resilience to stress, (b) kindness toward themselves, and (c) awareness of self when communicating. Method: Mothers (N = 12) rated individual and group goals and completed measures of dispositional mindfulness, interpersonal mindfulness in parenting, anxiety, depression, and parenting stress, pre-NP and post-NP. Qualitative data from semistructured interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants who completed the NP group (n = 9; 75%) reported improvements post-NP in dispositional and interpersonal mindfulness and in at least one group goal. Clinically significant improvements were found for mothers reporting pre-NP anxiety (n = 2) or depression (n = 2) in the clinical range. Qualitative themes included: (a) gaining self-awareness and choice, (b) connection to others not defined by CF, and (c) validating self-care. Conclusions: Mothers reported psychological benefits of NP group and preferences that may promote retention. Findings may inform clinical practice. A future pilot trial of efficacy in CF may be feasible.

Implications for Impact Statement

“Nurturing parents,” a mindfulness-based parent well-being group, is a relatively inexpensive intervention that may offer psychological benefits to mothers of a child with cystic fibrosis (CF). It was acceptable to mothers and feasible to deliver in the pediatric setting. The next stage is an initial “proof of concept” study with clear strategies to boost uptake and minimize attrition, to test whether to proceed with a randomized design.