Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and hopelessness in parents of children with autism: A randomized controlled trial

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on depression, anxiety, stress, and hopelessness among parents of children with autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD]). METHOD: A pre-test-post-test, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted in two institutions providing education for children with ASD in Konya, Türkiye. The sample included 96 parents randomized into intervention (n = 48) and control (n = 48) groups using block randomization. The intervention group participated in an eight-week MBSR program delivered in weekly sessions, while the control group received routine monitoring. Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and four-week follow-up using a Personal Information Form, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between groups at baseline. Compared with the control group, the intervention group demonstrated significantly lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress at both post-test and follow-up. No significant between-group differences were found in total hopelessness scores. CONCLUSION: The MBSR program was effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress among parents of children with ASD. However, overall hopelessness did not change significantly, suggesting that this construct may be less responsive to short-term interventions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurse-delivered MBSR programs may be effective in reducing psychological distress among parents of children with ASD and can be integrated into family-centered care practices.