Feasibility and acceptability of a virtual mindfulness intervention for Black adults with PTSD and depression: Randomized controlled trial.
Abigail Powers, Emma C Lathan, Elizabeth Mcafee, Yara Mekawi, H Drew Dixon, Estefania Lopez, Shifa Ali, Rebecca Hinrichs, Bekh Bradley, Sierra Carter, Nadine J Kaslow
Journal of mood and anxiety disorders March 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjmad.2024.100048 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAn adapted 8-week virtual mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) group intervention for Black adults with posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms showed fair feasibility (70% overall) but low completion in the MBCT group (54%) compared to a waitlist control (90%). Among the 46 participants (89.3% women) recruited from an urban safety net hospital, acceptability was high for those who completed the program. Perceived barriers to psychological treatment were high (over 9). The intervention improved coping skills and led to positive health changes, but success depends on reducing engagement obstacles; further studies are needed.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Pilot randomized controlled trial Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 46 |
| Population | Black adults screening positive for PTSD and depression from an urban safety net hospital |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Posttraumatic stress Virtual intervention |
| Citations | 7 |
| Key finding | Virtual MBCT showed fair feasibility and high acceptability among completers, but low completion rates and high perceived barriers suggest engagement challenges must be addressed. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) offers promise as a group-based intervention to alleviate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms in traumatized Black adults. Given the high level of barriers that exist for low-income Black adults, virtual delivery of MBCT may be helpful. This pilot randomized controlled trial assessed feasibility and acceptability of an adapted 8-week virtual MBCT group intervention for Black adults screening positive for PTSD and depression. Forty-six participants (89.3% women) recruited from an urban safety net hospital were randomized to MBCT or waitlist control (WLC). Overall feasibility was fair (70%); however, completion rates were higher for WLC than MBCT (90% vs. 54%). Group acceptability was high across quantitative and qualitative measures for study completers. Perceived barriers to psychological treatment were high (>9). While showing potential via improved coping skills and positive health changes, this intervention's success hinges on mitigating engagement barriers for future delivery; additional studies are warranted.