A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment-Based Parenting Training and Mindful Parenting Training on Parental Burnout Symptoms and Resilience in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Samaneh  Zare Zardini; Simindokht Rezakhani; Pantea  Jahangir

Authors

Samaneh Zare Zardini Ph.D. Student, Department of Counseling, Ro.C., Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5113-3781
Simindokht Rezakhani Department of Counseling, Ro.C., Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-3632
Pantea Jahangir Department of Psychology, Ro.C., Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3103-4735

Keywords:

Acceptance and Commitment-Based Parenting, Mindful Parenting, Parental Burnout, Resilience, Mothers, Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment-Based Parenting Training and Mindful Parenting Training in reducing parental burnout symptoms and increasing resilience among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Methods and Materials: This applied study employed a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control-group design with a three-month follow-up. The statistical population consisted of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder attending the Autism Association in District 5 of Tehran during October–December 2025. A total of 45 eligible mothers were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups of 15 participants: Acceptance and Commitment-Based Parenting Training, Mindful Parenting Training, and control. The two experimental groups each received eight two-hour training sessions held twice weekly, whereas the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale and the Parental Burnout Assessment. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons in SPSS version 27.

Findings: Repeated-measures analysis showed significant effects of time, group, and time-by-group interaction for parental burnout and resilience (p < 0.001). Both interventions significantly reduced parental burnout and increased resilience compared with the control group. Bonferroni comparisons indicated that Mindful Parenting Training produced a significantly greater reduction in parental burnout than Acceptance and Commitment-Based Parenting Training (mean difference = 3.689, p < 0.001). In contrast, Acceptance and Commitment-Based Parenting Training produced a significantly greater increase in resilience than Mindful Parenting Training (mean difference = 3.267, p < 0.001). Significant intervention effects were also observed across the respective components of parental burnout and resilience.

Conclusion: Both parenting interventions were effective, but their comparative benefits differed; Mindful Parenting Training was more effective for reducing parental burnout, whereas Acceptance and Commitment-Based Parenting Training was more effective for enhancing resilience among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder.

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