WE ARE NO LONGER RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS FOR THIS PHASE OF OUR STUDY.
Please feel free to send us your contact information and we will contact you
in the future for any future interventions.
What is the MAPS Project?
MAPS is a new program at Loma Linda University that offers Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) therapy to parents of children with developmental delays. MBSR is supported by over two decades of extensive research showing it is effective in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and promoting overall well-being for a wide range of people. The course offers intensive training in relaxation techniques, meditation, gentle Yoga-based stretching, lectures in various aspects of health and wellness, and supportive group discussions. The emphasis on Mindfulness, which simply means paying attention to each moment in a non-judgmental way, gives people a practical way to apply these methods in everyday life.
Why should I get involved?
As participants in our study, you will hopefully benefit from the MBSR intervention, as many others have. MBSR has over two decades of published research -- and more than 18,000 participants – which indicates that the majority of people who complete the 8-week program report greater ability to handle both short and long-term stressful situations. MBSR may also improve your parenting experience. Mindfulness helps us to slow down, notice impulses before we act, really listen to our kids, and come from a more relaxed and peaceful state of mind, which in turn has a positive effect on our children.
What is involved?
The program includes eight weekly 2.5-hour sessions, a day-long meditation retreat after class 6, and daily home practice based on audio CDs with instruction. Free childcare and parking will be provided and we will work to accommodate your schedule. Child-care will be provided during the intervention sessions by clinical psychology doctoral students with specialized training in child psychology. There will be a 3:1 child to doctoral student ratio. If your child is experiencing any difficulties, the child-care providers will pull you out of the group in order to deal with the situation. Loma Linda University is not responsible for any injuries that occur and will not be responsible for medical costs. MBSR is an empirically supported secular (non-religious) based intervention that can be beneficial to all people. If you choose to enroll in the program, we hope that you can attend all sessions in order to maximize the benefit of the intervention. This is an opportunity for you to catch a few minutes for yourself. Once you see the benefits you won’t want to stop!
I want to learn more!
We are excited that you are interested in learning more about our project. Dr. Neece, the MAPS Project Director, or one of our program staff will contact you with more information. Please complete the information below and someone will contact you when it is convenient for you.