Parents' dispositional mindfulness and child behavior: The mediating role of the child dispositional mindfulness

Parental factors, including parental dispositional mindfulness, play a crucial role in children's development and well-being. Studies have suggested that parents' mindfulness might be associated with positive outcomes in children by promoting their mindfulness, which in turn is associated with better emotional and behavioral functioning. However, little is known about whether parental dispositional mindfulness is associated with children's positive outcomes through children's mindfulness. Based on this, the current study explored, in a sample of 270 parent-child dyads, the relationship between parental dispositional mindfulness and children's internalizing and externalizing problems, and tested the mediating role of the child's levels of dispositional mindfulness in this relationship. Results showed that three parental mindfulness facets (Describing, Acting with Awareness, and Nonjudging) were indirectly associated with children's Internalizing and Externalizing Problems via children's mindfulness. These findings might be relevant for the implementation of mindful parenting interventions, suggesting which parental mindfulness facets could exert the most beneficial effect on offspring's well-being.