A Telephone-Adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program: Preliminary Effects among Healthcare Employees

Healthcare employees often experience high stress and may benefit from accessible psychosocial interventions. In this pilot study, we explored preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and psychological effects of a telephone-based adaption of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for healthcare employees. Eleven participants (M age = 49.9; 27.3% ethnic/racial minority) were enrolled in an eight-session group-based MBSR program adapted for telephone delivery. Feasibility was assessed using rates of program attrition and session completion; acceptability was explored qualitatively via participants’ responses to an open-ended item about their program experience. Participants also completed pre-and post-program assessments on psychosocial outcomes (distress (overall distress, depression, anxiety, somatization), mindfulness, and self-compassion). We characterized mean change scores, 95% confidence intervals, and effect sizes to explore preliminary program effects. With regard to preliminary feasibility, one participant dropped out prior to the intervention; of the remaining 10 participants, 90% completed at least half (≥4) of the sessions; 70% completed at least three-quarters (≥6 sessions). Feedback reflected positive experiences and included suggestions for program delivery. Participants reported reductions in distress post-program (M difference range = −5.0 to −9.4), showing medium to large effect sizes (d range = 0.68 to 1.11). Mindfulness scores increased from pre- to post-intervention (M difference range = 1.0 to 10.4), with small-to-medium effects (d range = 0.18 to 0.55). Almost all aspects of self-compassion remained stable over time, with the exception of common humanity, which increased post-program (M difference = 2.9, CI 95% 0.5 to 5.4, d = 0.91). Preliminary findings from our small pilot trial suggest that telephone-based adaptations of MBSR may be a useful mode of delivery for healthcare employees; however, larger studies are needed to provide further evidence of feasibility, acceptability, and program effects.

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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Self Compassion (SC) Training for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Trial in Community Services in Spain

Children ◽

10.3390/children8050316 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (5) ◽

pp. 316

Author(s):

Liliana Paulina Rojas-Torres ◽

Yurena Alonso-Esteban ◽

María Fernanda López-Ramón ◽

Francisco Alcantud-Marín

Keyword(s):

Stress Reduction ◽

Community Intervention ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Children With Autism ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Community Services ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Mindful Attention ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽

Anxiety Depression

This study aims to develop a clinical trial to test the efficacy of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and self-compassion (SC) program on self-reported values of anxiety, depression, and stress in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in primary school, in order to assess their integration into the framework of community intervention programs in Spain. Methods: A brief 8-week training program using mindfulness-based intervention (MBSR) and self-compassion (SC) has been applied to twelve Valencian ASD parents, ten of whom completed the program. Participants were assigned to two groups; both groups received the same treatment but at two different measurement moments. Depression, anxiety, stress, satisfaction with life and mindful attention awareness measurements were performed, in all participants, in three testing stages. Results: Analysis of variance results suggested that MBSR and SC training reduces stress and anxiety and increases mindful attention awareness. No significant changes were found in life satisfaction measurements. Conclusions: The small number of participants prevents us from generalizing the results found. More MBSR and SC clinical trials are needed in parents of ASD with results on anxiety, depression and stress in order to demonstrate the relevance of the inclusion of these programs in community-based early intervention services.

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Is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction a Promising and Feasible Intervention for Patients Suffering from Migraine? A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Complementary Medicine Research ◽

10.1159/000501425 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 19-30 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kathrin Simshäuser ◽

Marianne Lüking ◽

Holger Kaube ◽

Claudia Schultz ◽

Stefan Schmidt

Keyword(s):

Stress Reduction ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Pain Perception ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Effect Sizes ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Group ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Aim: We performed a pilot study in order to evaluate the feasibility and to estimate effect sizes of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in a sample of patients suffering from migraine. Method: Migraine patients (n = 62, mean age 44 years, 92% female) were randomly allocated to either MBSR or an active control intervention based on progressive muscle relaxation and psychoeducation. The primary outcome was the number of migraine days per month assessed by headache diaries covering one month before and one month after the intervention. Secondary outcomes included functional impairment, use of medication, psychological symptoms, quality of life, pain acceptance, pain self-efficacy, pain perception and self-attributed mindfulness. To measure feasibility, questionnaires assessing study compliance and contentment were administered. Results: The primary outcome migraine frequency showed no significant group difference. Compared to the control group, the MBSR group showed greater improvements in variables of psychological symptoms, pain self-efficacy and sensory pain perception. Within the MBSR condition, all variables showed significant improvements over the course span with effect sizes ranging from d = 0.37 to 0.81, apart from the primary outcome (27% reduction in migraine days, p = 0.07). Compliance and contentment rates were good, supporting the feasibility of the MBSR intervention. Conclusion: Overall, participants in the MBSR group showed more adaptive coping strategies and decreased levels of psychological impairment compared to the control group, indicating a reduced impact of migraine on their everyday lives. It is concluded that this feasibility study demonstrates the ability of mindfulness-based interventions to reduce suffering in patients with migraine.

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Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for Executives: Results from a Field Experiment

Business Perspectives and Research ◽

10.1177/2278533717692906 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 113-123 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Zubin R. Mulla ◽

Kalaiselvan Govindaraj ◽

Srinivasa Rao Polisetti ◽

Elis George ◽

Nagraj Rao S. More

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

High Stress ◽

Well Being ◽

Stress Indicators ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Stress Levels ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Mindfulness-based meditation has been reported to produce positive effects on psychological and physiological well-being, and to reduce stress levels. The present study examined the effects of a 16-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on stress levels and self-compassion of 22 executives of a large public sector oil company located in the south of India. The study was a pre- and post-test experimental design in which participants were tested for physiological and psychological parameters, both before and after the intervention. Physiological assessment was carried out through the testing of blood cortisol and measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Participants also reported on variables such as self-compassion, and various stress indicators such as physical indicators, sleep indicators, behavioral indicators, emotional indicators, and personal habits. Results from the present study suggest that a 16-week MBSR intervention not only had a positive impact on various stress indicators (physical, sleep, behavioral, emotional, and personal habits) and self-compassion but also reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure and blood cortisol levels. The findings suggest that MBSR can be a useful stress management intervention for addressing the issues of high stress for senior executives in Indian organizations.

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Self‐compassion in mindfulness‐based stress reduction: An examination of prediction and mediation of intervention effects

Stress and Health ◽

10.1002/smi.2917 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

pp. 88-96

Author(s):

Landrew S. Sevel ◽

Micheal T.M. Finn ◽

Rachel M. Smith ◽

Anna M. Ryden ◽

Lindsey C. McKernan

Keyword(s):

Stress Reduction ◽

Intervention Effects ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

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Mindfulness-based stress reduction and self-compassion among mental healthcare professionals: a pilot study

Mental Health Religion & Culture ◽

10.1080/13674676.2015.1081588 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 503-512 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Kelley Raab ◽

Kimberly Sogge ◽

Nathan Parker ◽

Martine F. Flament

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Mental Healthcare ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

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A Test of Feasibility and Acceptability of Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Women and Men at Risk for High Stress: Pilot Study

JMIR Mental Health ◽

10.2196/15048 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (8) ◽

pp. e15048

Author(s):

Jennifer M Jabson Tree ◽

Joanne Gayle Patterson

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Minority Stress ◽

High Stress ◽

Bisexual Women ◽

Pilot Studies ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽

And Bisexual

Background In conservative and rural areas, where antidiscrimination laws do not exist, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people are at risk for excess stress arising from discrimination. Stress-reducing interventions delivered via innovative channels to overcome access barriers are needed. Objective This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of online mindfulness-based stress reduction (OMBSR) with LGB people in Appalachian Tennessee at high risk for stress. Methods In 2 pilot studies involving pre-post test designs, participants completed 8 weeks of OMBSR, weekly activity logs, semistructured interviews, and surveys of perceived and minority stress. Results Overall, 24 LGB people enrolled in the study and 17 completed OMBSR. In addition, 94% completed some form of mindfulness activities daily, including meditation. Participants enjoyed the program and found it easy to use. Perceived stress (Cohen, perceived stress scale-10) decreased by 23% in women (mean 22.73 vs mean 17.45; t10=3.12; P=.01) and by 40% in men (mean 19.83 vs mean 12.00; t5=3.90; P=.01) between baseline and postprogram. Women demonstrated a 12% reduction in overall minority stress (Balsam, Daily Experiences with Heterosexism Questionnaire) from baseline to 12-week follow-up (mean 1.87 vs mean 1.57; t10=4.12; P=.002). Subscale analyses indicated that women’s stress due to vigilance and vicarious trauma decreased by 21% and 20%, respectively. Conclusions OMBSR may be a useful tool to help LGB people reduce general and minority-specific stress in socially conservative regions lacking antidiscrimination policies.

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A Test of Feasibility and Acceptability of Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Women and Men at Risk for High Stress: Pilot Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.15048 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Jennifer M Jabson Tree ◽

Joanne Gayle Patterson

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Minority Stress ◽

High Stress ◽

Bisexual Women ◽

Pilot Studies ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ◽

And Bisexual

BACKGROUND In conservative and rural areas, where antidiscrimination laws do not exist, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people are at risk for excess stress arising from discrimination. Stress-reducing interventions delivered via innovative channels to overcome access barriers are needed. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of online mindfulness-based stress reduction (OMBSR) with LGB people in Appalachian Tennessee at high risk for stress. METHODS In 2 pilot studies involving pre-post test designs, participants completed 8 weeks of OMBSR, weekly activity logs, semistructured interviews, and surveys of perceived and minority stress. RESULTS Overall, 24 LGB people enrolled in the study and 17 completed OMBSR. In addition, 94% completed some form of mindfulness activities daily, including meditation. Participants enjoyed the program and found it easy to use. Perceived stress (Cohen, perceived stress scale-10) decreased by 23% in women (mean 22.73 vs mean 17.45; t10=3.12; P=.01) and by 40% in men (mean 19.83 vs mean 12.00; t5=3.90; P=.01) between baseline and postprogram. Women demonstrated a 12% reduction in overall minority stress (Balsam, Daily Experiences with Heterosexism Questionnaire) from baseline to 12-week follow-up (mean 1.87 vs mean 1.57; t10=4.12; P=.002). Subscale analyses indicated that women’s stress due to vigilance and vicarious trauma decreased by 21% and 20%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS OMBSR may be a useful tool to help LGB people reduce general and minority-specific stress in socially conservative regions lacking antidiscrimination policies.

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Randomized controlled pilot trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction compared to psychoeducational support for persistently fatigued breast and colorectal cancer survivors

Supportive Care in Cancer ◽

10.1007/s00520-016-3220-4 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 24 (10) ◽

pp. 4085-4096 ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

Shelley A. Johns ◽

Linda F. Brown ◽

Kathleen Beck-Coon ◽

Tasneem L. Talib ◽

Patrick O. Monahan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Colorectal Cancer Survivors ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Self Compassion (SC) Training for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Trial in Community Services in Spain

10.20944/preprints202103.0156.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Liliana Rojas-Torres ◽

Yurena Alonso-Esteban ◽

Maria Fernanda López-Ramón ◽

Francisco Alcantud-Marín

Keyword(s):

Stress Reduction ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Community Intervention ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Children With Autism ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Community Services ◽

Early Intervention Services ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Anxiety Depression

This study aims to develop a clinical trial to test the efficacy of a Mindfulness Based Stress Re-duction (MBSR) and Self Compassion (SC) Program on self-reported values of anxiety, depres-sion, and stress in parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in primary school, in order to assess their integration into the framework of community intervention programs in Spain. Methods: A brief 8-week training program using Mindfulness based intervention (MBSR) and self-compassion (SC) has been applied to ten parents from the Valencian ASD parents’. Partici-pants were assigned to two groups, both groups received the same treatment but at two different measurement moments. Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Satisfaction with Life and Mindful Atten-tion Awareness measurements were assessed, in all participants, in three testing moments. Results: Analysis of Variance results suggested that MBSR and SC training reduces stress and anxiety and increases Mindful Attention Awareness. No significant changes were found in Life Satisfaction measurements. Conclusions: The small number of participants prevents us from generalising the results found. More MBSR and SC clinical trials are needed in parents of ASD with results on anxiety, depression and stress in order to demonstrate the relevance of the inclusion of these programmes in community-based early intervention services.

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