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

Annalisa Guarini, Alessandra Sansavini, Chiara Suttora, Stefania Bortolotti, Margherita Fort, Daniela Iorio, Chiara Monfardini and Maria Bigoni
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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

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 13, 1-16

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.

Keywords: mindful parenting; APP; preschool children; randomised controlled trial; study protocol (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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