Parent Stress Intervention Program (PSIP), developed by the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center under Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D., empowers parents of children with disabilities to reduce stress and enhance well-being through two evidence-based curricula: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Positive Adult Development (PAD). Proven in a 2010–2013 study with 250 participants, PSIP delivers practical tools for resilience and personal growth.
Key features include:
- MBSR curriculum with a 58-page PDF and six audio tracks for mindfulness practice.
- PAD curriculum with a 26-page PDF and six PowerPoint presentations for group discussions.
- Flexible formats: 6-week programs or weekend retreats for weekly sessions or intensives.
Benefits: PSIP significantly reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while improving sleep, life satisfaction, and health, as demonstrated in the Vanderbilt study. Its mindfulness and positive psychology techniques foster lasting emotional resilience, making it an essential resource for parents and peer groups supported by mental health professionals.
Results from the 2010–2013 study were reported in Pediatrics and featured in Vanderbilt News, New York Times, Reuters, HealthDay News, and Disability Scoop. Explore licensing options (individual or site licenses) on our licensing page or contact us at Contact Us. Learn about Vanderbilt’s research at www.vanderbilt.edu/research.