Volume 7, Issue 4 (December 2025)
IEEPJ 2025, 7(4): 1-21 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Valian Z, Zareei Mahmoodabadi H, Dehghani F. (2025). Effectiveness of Mindful Parenting Training on Parent-Child Relationship and Externalized Behavior of Primary School Students in Yazd City. IEEPJ. 7(4), 1-21.
URL: http://ieepj.hormozgan.ac.ir/article-1-945-en.html
URL: http://ieepj.hormozgan.ac.ir/article-1-945-en.html
1- M.A student of psychology, Yazd branch, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran ,h.zareei@yazd.ac.ir
3- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran ,
3- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
Abstract: (1264 Views)
Objective: Childhood is a critical developmental period, and difficulties during this stage often persist into adulthood. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of mindful parenting training on the parent–child relationship and the externalizing behaviors of male elementary school students in Yazd during the 2023–2024 academic year.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test and a control group was used. A total of 27 mothers were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 13) and a control group (n = 14). Both groups completed pre-test measures, after which the experimental group received eight sessions of mindful parenting training. Post-test measures were administered to both groups following the intervention. The parent–child relationship was assessed using the Pianta Child–Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS), and externalizing behaviors were measured with the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist—Parent Form (CBCL). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).
Results: The findings indicated no significant differences between the experimental and control groups in the parent–child relationship dimensions of intimacy (p > 0.023) and conflict (p > 0.014), nor in externalizing behavior domains such as rule-breaking (p > 0.000) and aggression (p > 0.003). However, a significant difference was found between the two groups on the dependency dimension of the parent–child relationship (p < 0.313), indicating a change attributable to the intervention.
Conclusions: The mindful parenting training program did not lead to improvement in the overall parent–child relationship or in children's externalizing behaviors. The only observed effect was an increase in the dependency component of the parent–child relationship among participants in the experimental group. These findings suggest that while mindful parenting may influence certain relational aspects, it may not be sufficient on its own to produce broader changes in parent–child dynamics or externalizing behaviors.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test and a control group was used. A total of 27 mothers were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 13) and a control group (n = 14). Both groups completed pre-test measures, after which the experimental group received eight sessions of mindful parenting training. Post-test measures were administered to both groups following the intervention. The parent–child relationship was assessed using the Pianta Child–Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS), and externalizing behaviors were measured with the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist—Parent Form (CBCL). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).
Results: The findings indicated no significant differences between the experimental and control groups in the parent–child relationship dimensions of intimacy (p > 0.023) and conflict (p > 0.014), nor in externalizing behavior domains such as rule-breaking (p > 0.000) and aggression (p > 0.003). However, a significant difference was found between the two groups on the dependency dimension of the parent–child relationship (p < 0.313), indicating a change attributable to the intervention.
Conclusions: The mindful parenting training program did not lead to improvement in the overall parent–child relationship or in children's externalizing behaviors. The only observed effect was an increase in the dependency component of the parent–child relationship among participants in the experimental group. These findings suggest that while mindful parenting may influence certain relational aspects, it may not be sufficient on its own to produce broader changes in parent–child dynamics or externalizing behaviors.
Keywords: Mindful parenting, Parent-child relationship, Externalized behavior, Students, Elementary school
Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Educational Psychology
Received: 2024/11/23 | Accepted: 2025/03/16 | Published: 2025/12/1
Received: 2024/11/23 | Accepted: 2025/03/16 | Published: 2025/12/1
References
1. Abareshi, Z., Tahmasian, K., Mazaheri, M. A., & Panaghi, L. (2009). The impact of psychosocial Child Development training program, done through improvement of mother-child interaction, on parental self-efficacy and relationship between mother and child under three [Research]. Journal title, 3(3), 49-58. http://rph.khu.ac.ir/article-1-115-en.pdf
2. Amini, S., Najarpourian, S., & Samavi, S. A. (2020). Comparison of the Effectiveness of Positive Parenting Program Training and Acceptance and Commitment based Parenting Training on Mothers' Aggression and Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Children [Research]. Journal of Ilam University of Medical Sciences, 28(1), 67-77. [DOI:10.29252/sjimu.28.1.67]
3. Atar, s., zareii mahmoodabadi, h., & sedrpooshan, n. (2024). The effectiveness of the mindful parenting training package on improving the parent-child relationship, parenting stress and feelings of loneliness [Research]. Journal title, 17(4), 66-81. http://rph.khu.ac.ir/article-1-4406-en.html
4. Chronis-Tuscano, A., Lewis-Morrarty, E., , W., K. E.,, O'Brien, K. A., Mazursky Horowitz, H., & & Thomas, S. R. (2016). Parent-child interaction therapy with emotion coaching for preschoolers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Cognitive and behavioral practice, 23, 62-78. [DOI:10.1016/j.cbpra.2014.11.001]
5. Coatsworth, J. D., Duncan, L. G., Greenberg, M. T., & Nix, R. L. (2010). Changing parent's mindfulness, child management skills and relationship quality with their youth: Results from a randomized pilot intervention trial. Journal of child and family studies, 19, 203-217. [DOI:10.1007/s10826-009-9304-8]
6. Dehghani, F., & Zareei Mahmoodabadi, H. (2018). The Effect of Using Virtual Social Networks on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Young Adults [Original Article]. Journal of Social Behavior and Community Health, 2(1), 174-180. http://sbrh.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-54-en.html
7. Driscoll, K., & Pianta, R. C. (2011). Mothers' and fathers' perceptions of conflict and closeness in parent-child relationships during early childhood.
8. Eggers, K., Millard, S. K., & Kelman, E. (2022). Temperament, anxiety, and depression in school-age children who stutter. Journal of Communication Disorders, 97, 106218. [DOI:10.1016/j.jcomdis.2022.106218]
9. Emmons, R. A., & Stern, R. (2013). Gratitude as a psychotherapeutic intervention. Journal of clinical psychology, 69(8), 846-855. [DOI:10.1002/jclp.22020]
10. Farmer, R. F., Gau, J. M., Seeley, J. R., Kosty, D. B., Sher, K. J., & Lewinsohn, P. M. (2016). Internalizing and externalizing disorders as predictors of alcohol use disorder onset during three developmental periods. Drug and alcohol dependence, 164, 38-46. [DOI:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.04.021]
11. Fazeli, A., MahmoudAlilou, M., & Bayrami, M. (2018). Interfering with Childhood Externalizing Behavioral Disorder Symptoms: the Effectiveness of Parents Management. Academic Journal of Psychological Studies, 7(2), 48-54.
12. Hossini Yazdi, S. A., Mashhadi, A., Kimiaei, S. A., & Amin Yazdi, S. A. (2022). Comparing the Effectiveness of Mindful Parenting Training plus Parental Management Training (Combined Education) with Mindful Parenting Training and Parental Management Training alone on Reducing Externalized and Internalized Behavioral Problems of Children. Journal of Research in Behavioural Sciences, 20(1), 83-97. [DOI:10.52547/rbs.20.1.83]
13. Husky, M. M., Boyd, A., Bitfoi, A., Carta, M. G., Chan-Chee, C., Goelitz, D., Koç, C., Lesinskiene, S., Mihova, Z., & Otten, R. (2018). Self-reported mental health in children ages 6-12 years across eight European countries. European child & adolescent psychiatry, 27, 785-795. [DOI:10.1007/s00787-017-1073-0]
14. Jafar Tabatabei, S. S., Rafiei, M., Eil Beigi, H., Kachoei, E. S., & Partovi Far, S. (2021). The Effectiveness of S Triple P-Positive Parenting Program on Parent-Child Relationship and Symptoms of Disorder in Adolescents with Conduct Disorder. Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences, 63(6), 2100-2108. [DOI:10.22038/mjms.2021.17964]
15. Khanjani, z., & bahadorikhosroshhi, j. (2017). Investigation of empathy development, internalization and externalizing disorders in male and female students 5 to 11 years. Counseling Culture and Psycotherapy, 8(30), 195-218. [DOI:10.22054/qccpc.2017.22576.1544]
16. Khanjani, Z., & Hadavandkhani, F. (2011). The relationship between mothers' personality dimensions and girls' externalizing and internalizing disorders. Contemporary Psychology, 7(99-108).
17. Khodapanahi, M. K., Ghanbari, S., Nadali, H., & Seyed Mousavi, P. (2012). Quality of mother-child relationships and anxiety syndrome in preschoolers.
18. Landers, A. L., Bellamy, J. L., Danes, S. M., & Hawk, S. W. (2017). Internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems of American Indian children in the child welfare system. Children and youth services review, 81, 413-421. [DOI:10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.08.014]
19. Medeiros, C., Gouveia, M. J., Canavarro, M. C., & Moreira, H. (2016). The indirect effect of the mindful parenting of mothers and fathers on the child's perceived well-being through the child's attachment to parents. Mindfulness, 7, 916-927. [DOI:10.1007/s12671-016-0530-z]
20. Merajifar, L., Amiri, M., & Ebrahimi, L. (2020). Effectiveness of Mindful Parenting Training to Mothers of Children with Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder to Improve the Internalized Problems of Mothers and Reduce the Externalized Problems of Their Children. The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 9(3), 49-61. [DOI:10.22037/jrm.2019.111140.1789]
21. Moghaddasi, R. (2022). The effect of play therapy on single-parent children. [DOI:URL: http://jnip.ir/article-1-809-en.html]
22. Mohammadi, M., Tahmasian, K., Ghanbari, s., & Fathabadi, J. (2018). Efficacy of Mindful Parenting Program on Parenting Stress and Parental Self-Efficacy among High Conflict Adolescents' Mothers. Journal of Developmental Psychology Iranian Psychologists, 56(14), 419-433. http://sanad.iau.ir/fa/Article/1055131
23. Momeni, K. m., & taziki, t. (2017). The effectiveness of parent-child communication and parental stress Positive Parenting Program on students with attention deficit. Empowering Exceptional Children, 8(1), 83-93. https://www.ceciranj.ir/article_63530_8d86834f73f1cc47c6907803c4bc256b.pdf
24. Parent, J., McKee, L. G., Anton, M., Gonzalez, M., Jones, D. J., & Forehand, R. (2016). Mindfulness in Parenting and Coparenting. Mindfulness (N Y), 7(2), 504-513. [DOI:10.1007/s12671-015-0485-5]
25. Rahimi, M., Akrami, N., & Ghamarani, A. (2021). The effectiveness of positive parenting program on self-efficacy and parenting style in mothers of children with internalized and externalized disorders. Clinical Psychology and Personality, 19(1), 93-107. [DOI:10.22070/cpap.2021.7164.0]
26. Rosenkrantz, D. E., Rostosky, S. S., Toland, M. D., & Dueber, D. M. (2020). Parental Acceptance Scale. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. [DOI:10.1037/sgd0000355]
27. Santos, G., Farrington, D. P., da Agra, C., & Cardoso, C. S. (2020). Parent-teacher agreement on children's externalizing behaviors: Results from a community sample of Portuguese elementary-school children. Children and youth services review, 110, 104809. [DOI:10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.104809]
28. Shamsi, A., & Ghamarani, A. (2020). Compare the effectiveness of parenting based on organizational skills and mindful parenting on parent-child relationships and symptoms of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Psychology of Exceptional Individuals, 10(39), 99-132. [DOI:10.22054/jpe.2021.54659.2201]
29. Shapourabadi, S. A. b., Tajrishi, M. s. P., & Mohamadkhani, P. (2013). The Effectiveness of Group Training Positive Parenting Program (Triple-P) on Symptoms of Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Archives of Rehabilitation, 13(5), 38-48. https://www.magiran.com/paper/2023187
30. Shiralinia, k., izadi, m., & aslani, k. (2019). The role of mediators of parenting stress, the quality of mother-child relationship and mental health of mother in the relationship between mindful parenting and behavioral problems of children. Counseling Culture and Psycotherapy, 10(38), 135-146. [DOI:10.22054/qccpc.2019.36302.1989]
31. Shomaliahmadabadi, m., Tavangar, H., & Dehghani, K. (2022). Effect of stress mangment training on Stress and Anxiety level of the mothers of peremature infants admitted to NICU [Descriptive]. Payesh (Health Monitor) Journal, 21(2), 163-171. [DOI:10.52547/payesh.21.2.163]
32. Steger, A., Evans, E., & Wee, B. S.-C. (2021). Emotional cartography as a window into children's well-being: Visualizing the felt geographies of place. Emotion, Space and Society, 39, 100772. [DOI:10.1016/j.emospa.2021.100772]
33. Tarkeshdooz, S., & Farokhzad, P. (2017). The Relationship between Children Behavioral Disorders with Parenting Styles and Attachment Styles.
34. Timothy, A., Benegal, V., Shankarappa, B. M., Saxena, S. K., Jain, S., & Purushottam, M. (2019). Influence of early adversity on cortisol reactivity, SLC6A4 methylation and externalizing behavior in children of alcoholics. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 94. [DOI:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109649]
35. Wang, X., Xie, R., Ding, W., Jiang, M., & Li, W. (2022). "Growing out of depression and neuroticism": Keep children away from maltreatment. Children and youth services review, 136, 106422. [DOI:10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106422]
36. Yang, W., Deng, J., & Wang, Y. (2021). The association between mindful parenting and adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems: The role of mother-child communication. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 1-10. [DOI:10.1007/s10578-021-01168-9]
37. Zareei, H., Roshan Bakhsh Yazdi, R., & Akrami, L. (2022). The Effect of Self-Control Training on Externalized Behavioral Syndrome-Case for study: Male Students in Elementary School. Knowledge & Research in Applied Psychology, 23(1), 168-178. [DOI:Doi:10.30486/JSRP.2020.1894467.2341]
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
