Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, Emotion Regulation, and Parenting Stress in Mothers of Preschoolers

Abstract

Parenting stress is known to have adverse effects on both parents and children and is particularly salient during the early childhood years. Parenting stress can lead to harsh parenting behaviors which in turn have negative consequences for children, including internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Parental emotional dysregulation and low levels of compassion toward oneself are factors associated with elevated parenting stress. Mindfulness has been identified as a state of being negatively associated with symptoms of high stress, anxiety, and depression, and has been shown to be beneficial for parents of children with autism and those with chronic illnesses. The purpose of this dissertation study is to analyze the relationship between mindfulness and parenting stress, looking specifically at self-compassion and difficulties with emotion regulation as possible mediators. Using an electronic survey administered by Qualtrics Panels, I gathered data from mothers of 2- to 5-year-old children and analyzed the data using mediation models. I hypothesized that self-compassion and/or difficulties with emotion regulation would mediate the relationship between mindfulness and parenting stress. Results were that self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between mindfulness and parenting stress. Difficulties in emotion regulation did not mediate the relationship between mindfulness and parenting stress. This research has implications for the field of social work, and for parenting interventions in particular, as it has the potential to expand our understanding of how mindfulness works to reduce parenting stress.