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Explaining Parenting Stress among Adoptive Parents: The Contribution of Mindfulness, Psychological Flexibility, and Self-Compassion

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  • Ana Luz Chorão

    (Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Maria Cristina Canavarro

    (Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Raquel Pires

    (Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal)

Abstract

Although parenting stress has been identified as one of the most important and highly acceptable targets for postadoption psychological intervention, knowledge regarding the modifiable factors that contribute to explaining this outcome among adoptive parents remains scarce. This study aimed to explore whether and to what extent adoptive parents’ mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion contribute to explaining parenting stress and to analyze whether this contribution varies according to children’s age, time passed since the adoptive placement, and the parents’ gender. Cross-sectional data from 302 Portuguese adoptive parents with children between 1 and 17 years old were collected online through self-response questionnaires. Controlling for a wide range of child-, adoption-, and parent-related variables, lower levels of mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion were associated with higher levels of parenting stress. These associations were not moderated by children’s age, time passed since the adoptive placement, or the parents’ gender. The final regression model explained 50% of the variance in parenting stress. These results allow us to reflect on new guidelines for both preventive and remedial interventions with adoptive parents, given the apparent added value of promoting these psychological resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Luz Chorão & Maria Cristina Canavarro & Raquel Pires, 2022. "Explaining Parenting Stress among Adoptive Parents: The Contribution of Mindfulness, Psychological Flexibility, and Self-Compassion," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-20, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:14534-:d:964395
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sánchez-Sandoval, Yolanda & Palacios, Jesús, 2012. "Stress in adoptive parents of adolescents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(7), pages 1283-1289.
    2. Maria Cusinato & Sara Iannattone & Andrea Spoto & Mikael Poli & Carlo Moretti & Michela Gatta & Marina Miscioscia, 2020. "Stress, Resilience, and Well-Being in Italian Children and Their Parents during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-17, November.
    3. Santos-Nunes, Marta & Narciso, Isabel & Vieira-Santos, Salomé & Roberto, Magda Sofia, 2017. "Parenting and emotional well-being of adoptive school-aged children: The mediating role of attachment," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 390-399.
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