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The Links Between Mindful Parenting, Maternal Parenting Stress, and Harsh Parenting
Heidi M Sanders1, Alexandra N Davis2, Ryan J Kelly2
1Department of Occupational Therapy, University of New Mexico - Health Sciences Center.
None:
This study explored associations between maternal mindful parenting (i.e. mindful discipline, being in the moment with the child), maternal parental stress, and harsh parenting (i.e. physical and psychological harsh parenting) in early childhood. A sample of 172 mothers of young children in New Mexico completed questionnaires assessing perceived parental stress, use of harsh parenting, and mindful parenting. Results of the path model analysis demonstrated that being mindful in the moment with the child was directly, negatively associated with physical harsh parenting and also negatively associated with perceived stress. Mindful discipline was directly, negatively associated with both psychological aggression and perceived stress. Perceived stress was positively associated with psychological harsh parenting and was not associated with physical harsh parenting. This study illustrates that 'being in the moment' and 'mindful discipline' may have distinctive benefits as targeted interventions to lower rates of harsh parenting while also potentially lowering parental stress.
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