Stjernswärd S, Hansson L. Outcome of a web-based mindfulness intervention for families living with mental illness - A feasibility study.
Inform Health Soc Care 2016;
42:97-108. [PMID:
27245198 DOI:
10.1080/17538157.2016.1177533]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Families living with a person with mental illness can experience distress requiring therapeutic interventions. Web-based mindfulness interventions have shown beneficial health outcomes for both clinical and healthy populations, and may help families cope and overcome barriers that can otherwise hinder a help-seeking process.
AIMS
To develop and assess outcomes of a web-based mindfulness intervention for families living with a person with mental illness.
METHODS
A pilot study investigating an 8-week web-based mindfulness intervention with a pre-post design and follow-up after 3 months, with mindfulness as the primary outcome and perceived stress, caregiver burden and self-compassion as secondary outcomes. The study included a sample of 97 persons approached by advertisement in newspapers, newsletters, and online.
RESULTS
The study showed significant improvements in levels of mindfulness post-intervention and at follow-up as well as significant improvements in levels of perceived stress, caregiver burden, and self-compassion both post-intervention and at follow-up.
DISCUSSION
Acceptability and feasibility of the intervention were high, outcomes were relevant, and the intervention showed positive and significant results supporting the hypothesis that the intervention may help families cope with a stressful situation.
CONCLUSION
Further randomized controlled studies of the intervention are needed to investigate the intervention's effectiveness, including dose-effect studies.
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