US Parents’ Acceptance of Learning About Mindfulness Practices for Parents and Children: National Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

BackgroundMindfulness practices are associated with improved health and well-being for children. Few studies have assessed parents’ acceptance of learning about mindfulness practices. ObjectiveThis study aims to assess parents’ beliefs and interest in learning about mindfulness, including from their health care provider, and differences across demographic backgrounds. MethodsWe conducted a national cross-sectional survey of parents with children aged 0-18 years in October 2018. Measures included beliefs and interest in learning about mindfulness. These measures were compared across demographic backgrounds using chi-square analysis. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were used to perform adjusted comparisons between demographic backgrounds. ResultsParticipants (N=3000) were 87% (n=2621) female and 82.5% (n=2466) Caucasian. Most (n=1913, 64.2%) reported beliefs that mindfulness can be beneficial when parenting, 56.4% (n=1595) showed interest in learning about mindfulness to help their child stay healthy, and 40.8% (n=1214) reported interest in learning about mindfulness from their health care provider. Parents with a college degree 49.6% (n=444) were more likely to report interest in learning about mindfulness from a health care provider compared to those without 37.1% (n=768; P<.001). Parents interested in learning about mindfulness were more likely to be male 62.6% (n=223; P<.001). There was no significant difference in interest in learning about mindfulness from a health care provider based on race. ConclusionsThis study indicates that many parents believe mindfulness can be beneficial while parenting and are interested in learning how mindfulness could help their child stay healthy. Findings suggest there is an opportunity to educate families about mindfulness practices.