The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on self-compassion and parent-child relationship quality in health caregivers

Abstract Background Women’s increasing workforce participation has led to stress, anxiety, and strained parent-child relationships, highlighting the need for effective interventions. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a promising yet underutilized approach to improving psychological well-being and parenting quality. This study examines its impact on self-compassion and parent-child relationships among health caregivers. Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 40 health caregivers in Masjed Soleyman, randomly assigned to intervention (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. The intervention group participated in eight 90-minute mindfulness-based stress reduction sessions over two months. Data were collected using the Parent-Child Relationship Scale (PCRS), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) before and two months after the intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27 and included paired t-tests, independent t-tests, chi-square tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results Before the intervention, no significant differences were observed between groups in stress (P = 0.583) or self-compassion (P = 0.738). Post-intervention, stress (P = 0.001) and self-compassion (P = 0.001) significantly improved in the intervention group. Parent-child relationship scores also increased significantly (P = 0.001). Conclusion MBSR effectively enhances self-compassion, reduces stress, and strengthens parent-child relationships in working mothers. By fostering mindfulness and acceptance of their parenting role, mothers improved emotional regulation and connected more positively with their children. Trial registration Trial Id: 85639. IRCT Id: IRCT20223065147N2 . Registration date: 2025-09-28. Membership number: 65147.503