Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Caregiving Stress in Parents of Children with Leukemia

Background: Childhood leukemia, a malignant proliferative disorder of the hematopoietic system and the most common childhood cancer, poses a significant threat to the lives and health of affected children. For parents, a leukemia diagnosis in their child is a profoundly traumatic event. As primary caregivers, they endure immense psychological distress and caregiving stress throughout the prolonged and demanding treatment process, which can adversely affect their own well-being and caregiving capacity. However, the psychological mechanisms, such as the role of mindfulness, linking caregiver stress to parental coping strategies remain underexplored, and evidence-based interventions to support these parents are needed. Methods: In Study 1, we administered a cross-sectional survey to 242 parents of children with leukemia who were hospitalized at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January and August 2024. Participants completed measures assessing caregiver burden, mindful attention awareness, and parental coping style. In Study 2, we further evaluated the effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention. Results: The results of Study 1 revealed: (1) The caregiving stress significantly and negatively predicted coping style (β = −1.18, 95% CI [−2.18, −0.18], p < 0.01). (2) Caregiving stress also significantly and negatively predicted mindfulness (β = −1.90, 95% CI [−2.43, −1.38], p < 0.01). (3) Conversely, mindfulness significantly and positively predicted coping style (β = 0.85, 95% CI [0.62, 1.07], p < 0.01). These findings suggest that mindfulness mediates the relationship between caregiver burden and coping style. In Study 2, the experimental group showed a significant decrease in caregiver stress post-intervention (t = 2.24, p < 0.05), a significant increase in mindfulness (t = −4.61, p < 0.001), and a significant improvement in coping style (t = −2.36, p < 0.01). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: MBSR can effectively enhance mindfulness and promote adaptive coping strategies, while reducing caregiver burden among parents of children with leukemia.