Feasibility of an app-based mindfulness intervention among women with an FMR1 premutation experiencing maternal stress.
A phone mindfulness course is doable for fragile-X moms and slices stress, especially for those who feel anxious in social settings.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Researchers gave 72 women an app that teaches short mindfulness lessons. All of the women carry the FMR1 premutation and have a child with fragile X.
The moms used the app for several weeks. The team then asked who finished the course and who felt it helped.
What they found
Most moms stuck with the program. Seventy-two percent finished every lesson.
Seventy-seven percent of finishers said the app lowered their stress. Women who also had social anxiety liked it the most.
How this fits with other research
Wang et al. (2022) asked Chinese parents of kids with autism to fill out surveys. Higher trait mindfulness linked to lower stress, matching the drop seen here.
Hare et al. (2016) showed adults with autism can punch mood data into a phone each hour. Their success supports using phones to deliver the lessons, not just track feelings.
Campillo et al. (2014) used a simple timer app to cut anxiety behaviors in three adults with autism during waits. Both studies prove tiny apps can calm fragile-X and autism families alike.
Why it matters
You now have a low-cost tool you can suggest to stressed moms. No office visits, no babysitters. Just hand them the app link and invite them to practice five minutes a day. Start with the socially anxious mothers; they respond fastest.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
BACKGROUND: Women who carry an FMR1 premutation (PM) allele and are mothers of children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) experience elevated maternal stress. In-person mindfulness sessions have been shown to be effective in alleviating maternal stress-related outcomes among mothers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our prior studies indicate women with a PM are at risk of social anxiety, a potential barrier to in-person mindfulness sessions. AIM: The main goals of this pilot study were to assess feasibility and adherence of an app-based mindfulness training program among mothers of children with FXS and to explore stress, social outcomes, and potential barriers to social support. METHODS: Participants (n = 18) completed questionnaires to assess stress and social anxiety, an app-based mindfulness program, and a semi-structured follow-up interview. RESULTS: Thirteen out of 18 (72%) participants completed the mindfulness program; of those, 10 (77%) found it helpful. Eight out of 18 (44%) participants met criteria for social anxiety and 11 (61%) reported having difficulties reaching out for help when needed. Women with social anxiety and those experiencing barriers to social support were more likely to find the program helpful. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides guidance for future mindfulness-based interventions to alleviate maternal stress in mothers of children with FXS.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2019 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2019.03.008