Development and Validation of a Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training Package and Its Effectiveness in Reducing Psychological Stress among Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop and validate a mindfulness-based resilience training package and examine its effectiveness in reducing psychological stress among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities. This study employed an exploratory sequential mixed-method design. In the qualitative phase, a meta-synthesis approach, thematic analysis, and semi-structured interviews with 11 mothers of children with intellectual disabilities were conducted to identify the core components of the intervention and develop a 12-session training package. Content validity was assessed and confirmed by a panel of 10 experts in psychology, special education, and mindfulness-based interventions. In the quantitative phase, a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, control group, and three-month follow-up was implemented. Thirty mothers were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 participants in each group). Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale developed by Cohen et al. and analyzed through repeated-measures analysis of variance. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant effects of group (F = 14.23, p < .001, η² = .345), time (F = 20.78, p < .001, η² = .426), and the interaction between time and group (F = 12.81, p < .001, η² = .314) on psychological stress. Bonferroni post hoc comparisons indicated that the experimental group demonstrated significantly lower stress scores than the control group at both posttest and follow-up assessments (p < .001). Pairwise comparisons further showed significant reductions in stress from pretest to posttest and follow-up within the experimental group, whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. The maintenance of gains at follow-up supported the durability of the intervention effects. The findings support the validity and effectiveness of the mindfulness-based resilience training package in reducing psychological stress among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities. The sustained improvements observed at follow-up suggest that the intervention not only produces immediate benefits but also contributes to long-term psychological adaptation and well-being. Therefore, implementing this program in special education schools, rehabilitation centers, and psychological counseling services may enhance family mental health and improve quality of life for both mothers and their children.