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Mindful Parenting Intervention MinUTo App for Parents of Preschool Children: Study Protocol of a Randomised Controlled Trial

Author

Listed:
  • Annalisa Guarini

    (Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Alessandra Sansavini

    (Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Chiara Suttora

    (Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Stefania Bortolotti

    (Department of Economics, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Margherita Fort

    (Department of Economics, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Daniela Iorio

    (Department of Economics, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Chiara Monfardini

    (Department of Economics, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Maria Bigoni

    (Department of Economics, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

Background: Mindful parenting and the use of technology for parenting intervention have expanded separately from one another with promising results, but their relationship is underexplored. The current study protocol proposes a new universal intervention via app, MINd Us TOghether (MinUTo), based on mindful parenting for parents of typically developing children of 4–5 years of age. Methods: The effect of the intervention is evaluated using a randomised controlled trial. Around 2000 parents are enrolled and randomised to the intervention and control groups. Data are collected in three different waves from parents at baseline and endline; APP usage data allow for the analysis of intervention adherence. The MinUTo app proposes contents and activities for five dimensions of mindful parenting. Each dimension is presented within a two-week distance, explaining its importance, providing information, and offering activities for parents and children. Expected results: We hypothesise a positive effect of the intervention on primary outcomes (mindful parenting, parenting stress, parent behaviours and parental time investment), increasing parents’ skills and promoting a positive parent–child relationship. We also test possible effects on secondary outcomes (parenting attitudes and beliefs) at an explorative level. Conclusions: The study will add new considerations about the psychological and economic impact of technologies in implementing parenting interventions in non-clinical populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Annalisa Guarini & Alessandra Sansavini & Chiara Suttora & Stefania Bortolotti & Margherita Fort & Daniela Iorio & Chiara Monfardini & Maria Bigoni, 2022. "Mindful Parenting Intervention MinUTo App for Parents of Preschool Children: Study Protocol of a Randomised Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7564-:d:843810
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Bigoni, Maria & Bortolotti, Stefania & Fort, Margherita & Guarini, Annalisa & Iorio, Daniela & Monfardini, Chiara & Sansavini, Alessandra & Sansone, Davide & Suttora, Chiara, 2023. "A New Time-Use Diary App to Measure Parental Investments," IZA Discussion Papers 16661, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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