The effect of parenting self compassi̇on psyhoeducation program on mothers' self compassion and parenting stress levels

This study has two aims. First, it examines the relationship between mothers' self compassion and their levels of parenting stress. Second, it investigates the effect of Parenting Self Compassion Psychoeducational Program developed by the researcher, on mothers' levels of self-compassion and parenting stress. In line with the first aim of the study, the research sample consisted of mothers of typically developing children who were attending six primary schools in the Yeşilyurt District of Malatya Province during the 2023–2024 academic year. The study was conducted with 882 volunteer mothers between the ages of 26 and 55. As data collection tools, the Self-Compassion Scale was used to measure self-compassion levels, the Parenting Stress Index was employed to assess parenting stress levels, and a personal information form was utilized to collect demographic data. The study adopted a relational survey model. Within this model, the extent to which mothers' total self-compassion scores and subscale scores predicted levels of parenting stress was examined. To this end, simple linear regression and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Additionally, independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA were used to determine whether there were statistically significant differences in self-compassion and parenting stress scores based on certain variables. The results of the study indicated that total self-compassion significantly and negatively predicted total parenting stress. It was observed that self-compassion explained 31.1% of the variance in parenting stress. Moreover, the sub-dimensions of self-compassion were also found to significantly predict parenting stress, accounting for 34.7% of the variance. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were found in mothers' total self-compassion scores according to age, number of children, level of education, socioeconomic status, marital status, or employment status. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in parenting stress scores based on mothers' age, number of children, marital status, or whether they were employed. However, significant differences were found in parenting stress levels based on mothers' educational level and socioeconomic status. In line with the study's second aim, the research was conducted with 28 volunteers, mothers of typically developing primary school children, aged between 32 and 50, who were not employed in paid work and participated in the 10-session Parenting Self Compassion Psychoeducational Program. 14 participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group and 14 to the control group. 12 mothers from the experimental group completed the full program. This study employed a 2x3 split-plot quasi-experimental design. The psychoeducation program was administered exclusively to the experimental group, while no intervention was applied to the control group. The results indicated that the Parenting Self Compassion Psycho Educational Program effectively increased mothers' self compassion levels and reduced their parenting stress. Follow-up tests demonstrated that these effects were sustained over time.