Psychological Distress in Jordanian Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Trait Mindfulness.

Objective: This study examines the role of mindfulness in predicting psychological distress in Arab parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods: In this descriptive study, parents of 104 children with ASD completed measures of psychological distress and mindfulness. The severity of autism in children was measured using the DSM-V criteria.

Results: After controlling for parental age and gender and the severity level of ASD, mindfulness was significantly associated with the levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in parents (anxiety: β = 0.49, p < .001; stress: β = 0.55, p < .001; depression: β = 0.53, p < .001).

Conclusions: Mindfulness-based intervention may help to reduce psychological distress in Arab parents of children with ASD.