Parental stress, anxiety and trait mindfulness: associations with parent–child mealtime interactions in children with type 1 diabetes

Introduction This study examined how maternal and paternal stress, anxiety, and trait mindfulness, and child glycemic control are related to real-life parent–child interactions in families confronted with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods Parents reported on trait mindfulness, illness-related parenting stress, general stress, and state anxiety. Parent–child mealtime interactions were videotaped and scored in 33 families (31 mothers and 20 fathers) of children with T1D (5–12y., mean HbA1c = 7.22%). Results Parental stress and anxiety were related to more maladaptive and less adaptive parent–child interactions. For mothers, mindfulness was related to less observed discomfort of the child during injection. For fathers, more emotional involvement was related to better child glycemic control. Discussion Results indicate that parental stress and anxiety may be risk factors for maladaptive parent–child interactions.