Mindfulness in the Relationship Between Perceived Stress and Quality of Life in Pediatric Asthma

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze the possible mediator effect of mindfulness in the relationship between perceived stress and quality of life in pediatric asthma. Material and Method: The sample of this study consisted of 100 asthmatic children aged between 9-12 years who applied to the outpatient clinic of Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Allergy. Sociodemographic information forms, Perceived Stress Scale in Children (8-11 years), Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM), and Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) were used as data collection tools. Linear hierarchical regression analysis was used during the process of analyzing data. Results: It has been identified that mindfulness has a partial mediator effect on the relationship between perceived stress and quality of life (p = 0.000). The presence of a partial mediator effect of mindfulness has been determined in the relationship between perceived stress and symptoms which is the subscale of quality of life (p = 0.000). Finally, it has been demonstrated that mindfulness has a partial mediator effect on the relationship between perceived stress and emotional function which is another subscale of quality of life (p = 0.000). The mediating role of mindfulness in the relationship between perceived stress and activity limitations could not be analyzed due to the lack of a significant correlation between activity limitations which is the subscale of quality of life and mindfulness (p=0.178). Conclusion: It can be helpful to add psychotherapy interventions involving mindfulness practices to asthma treatment for better control of the disease in children.