Background & Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a mindfulness-based parenting program in general health and subscales including depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms and social dysfunction in mothers who had children with oppositional defiant disorder.

Materials & Methods: This was a semi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group. For this purpose, 34 mothers of girls with oppositional defiant disorder after purposive sampling were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (17 in each of groups). The Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL) and Teacher Report Form (TRF) with clinical interviews were used for screening and the general health questionnaire was used to collect the data in two conditions (pretest and posttest). Mindful parenting course was implemented for the experimental group in 8 sessions, 2 hours each. The data were then analyzed using descriptive statistical parameters (mean and SD) and MANCOVA.

Results: Results showed that mindful parenting course with a statistically significant difference between pre-and post-test scores led to general health and all of subscale including depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms and social dysfunction.

Conclusion: With regard to the effective use of mindful parenting course to increase general health in mothers of girls with oppositional defiant disorder, the training program should be directed toward reducing stress and promotion of general health in this group of people.

SOURCE: URMIA MED J 2016: 27(7): 641 ISSN: 1027-3727