Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Intervention in Reducing Stigma Stress Among Parents of Autistic Children

Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Intervention in Reducing Stigma Stress Among Parents of Autistic Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that usually becomes apparent in early childhood. Those diagnosed with ASD commonly struggle with social communication and behavioral regulation, often facing widespread societal stigma across different cultures. This prejudice extends beyond the affected children to their parents, who are routinely subjected to baseless blame and viewed as incapable of proper parenting. Such persistent negative perceptions can foster profound emotional suffering and chronic stress linked to societal judgment.

To date, there are no empirically supported interventions specifically aimed at alleviating stigma-induced stress in parents of autistic children. Nevertheless, studies in related fields indicate that mindfulness-based strategies could offer a potential coping mechanism. Addressing this gap, the current research presents a newly developed 4-week Mindfulness-Based Stigma Stress Reduction (MBSSR) program tailored for these parents. Using a randomized controlled trial, participants were divided into an MBSSR group or a waitlist control group, with both undergoing standardized evaluations at three distinct time points.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a well-known neurodevelopmental condition that emerges in early childhood and continues into adulthood. Children with ASD frequently face social and behavioral difficulties, and research indicates that stigma surrounding autism is prevalent in many societies. These children are sometimes mistakenly perceived as deliberately unruly, resulting in social prejudice and exclusion. This stigma also affects their parents, who endure societal judgment due to their emotional and biological ties to their children. Parents may be wrongly blamed for passing on "faulty" genes or accused of causing their child's condition. Additionally, they are often labeled as incompetent caregivers and criticized for failing to properly handle their child's behavior. Prolonged exposure to such bias can trigger deep-seated shame and psychological distress, leading to persistent stress linked to stigma.

Although stigma-related stress significantly impacts parents of autistic children, there are currently no scientifically validated interventions specifically designed to help them manage it. However, studies in similar areas propose that mindfulness practices may help individuals deal with stigma-induced stress. To bridge this research gap, this study introduces a novel 4-week Mindfulness-Based Stigma Stress Reduction (MBSSR) program tailored for parents of children with autism in Hong Kong. Using a randomized controlled trial approach, participants were divided into either the MBSSR treatment group or a waitlist control group, with both groups undergoing standardized evaluations at three separate intervals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having a child formally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) under Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) criteria by a registered medical practitioner
• Acting as the principal caregiver for the child
• Having the ability to read and write in Chinese
• Demonstrating the experience of stigma stress on the Family Stigma Stress Scale, defined as agreeing with item(s) that gauge perceived stigma harm and disagreeing with item(s) that evaluate perceived coping resources

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having participated in any mindfulness-based programs before
• Currently using psychiatric medications or receiving mental health services from professionals