headspace-for-parents-qualitative-report-investigating-the-use-of-a-mindfulness-based-app-for-managing-parents-stress-during-covid-19.pdf (482.25 kB)
Headspace for parents: qualitative report investigating the use of a mindfulness-based app for managing parents' stress during COVID-19
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 03:42 authored by Abigail Burgess, Kate CavanaghKate Cavanagh, Clara StraussClara Strauss, Bonamy R OliverBackground Stress can compromise parental well-being and may contribute to harsh and critical parenting styles, which are in turn associated with children's conduct problems. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related restrictions are likely to have exacerbated parental stress as, for many, UK-based family life was altered considerably. Mindfulness has been demonstrated to improve stress management and emotion regulation when delivered to parents in person, however, more accessible online interventions are under-researched. Aims To provide preliminary data on family well-being and parent–child relationships as well as the acceptability and usability of the Headspace app – a self-delivered mindfulness-based intervention – for parents in low-risk families during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method We provided 12 parents with access to Headspace, and collected qualitative data (semi-structured interviews and 5 minute speech samples) immediately following the initial COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. The resulting transcripts were thematically analysed. Results Most parents reported Headspace to be acceptable and useful – improvements in parents’ own sleep were particularly noted – and there was high adherence to the intervention. However, difficulties related to family well-being and parent–child relationships following the lockdown were also reported. Conclusions As a result of the confounding impact of COVID-19 restrictions, and varied access to app content, we were unable to determine any outcomes to be a result of practising mindfulness specifically. However, COVID-19 has had a profound impact on many UK-based families, including those previously at low risk, and our results demonstrate that Headspace may have beneficial effects for parents. There is a need to more rigorously test this tool with a broader range of families.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
BJPsych OpenISSN
2056-4724Publisher
Cambridge University PressExternal DOI
Issue
1Volume
8Page range
1-8Article number
a15Event location
EnglandDepartment affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2022-05-27First Open Access (FOA) Date
2022-05-27First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2022-05-27Usage metrics
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