A randomized, controlled trial study of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction program on depression and physical problems in depressed elderly individuals.
Journal of health psychology – December 21, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) significantly decreased depression levels in elderly individuals. In a randomized controlled trial involving 60 participants aged over 60, those who completed an 8-week MBSR program experienced notable improvements in their mental health. Specifically, the experimental group showed a marked reduction in depression symptoms, as measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Physical Problems Scale Inventory. This evidence suggests that MBSR can be an effective intervention for enhancing the well-being of depressed elderly individuals, making it a valuable tool for caregivers and psychologists.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on depression and physical problems in depressed elderly individuals. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on two groups of 30 depressed elderly individuals over 60 years old using purposive sampling. The GDS and the PE-PSI questionnaires were administered to both groups before and after the intervention. A standardized 8-week MBSR training program was held for the experimental group weekly for 1.5 hours. The results showed that between the beginning and 8 weeks of MBSR therapeutic intervention, the level of depression in the elderly individuals significantly decreased (p 0.05). This study provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of MBSR as a suitable treatment for the elderly individuals, which caregivers and psychologists in nursing homes can use to improve the mental well-being of the elderly individuals.