Impact of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Depression among Elderly Residing in Residential Homes

Depression is the most prevalent mental health problem among older adults, contributing to increased medical morbidity and mortality, reduced quality of life, and higher healthcare costs. A quasi-experimental study assessed the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on depression among elderly residents of residential homes in Bangalore. The experimental group received MBSR while the control group did not. The study found a significant reduction in depression in the experimental group compared to the control group.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Old age is a period when people need physical, emotional, and psychological support. Depression is the most prevalent mental health problem among older adults and it contributes to increase in medical morbidity and mortality, reduces quality of life and elevates health care costs. Therefore early diagnosis and effective management are required to improve the quality of life of older adults suffering from depression. Intervention like Mindfulness based Stress Reduction is a powerful relaxation technique to provide quick way to get rid of depression and negative emotions by increasing mindfulness. The study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of MBSR on depression among elderly residing in residential homes, Bangalore. In this study, quasi experimental pre-test post-test control group research design was used. There were two groups: experimental and control, each group had 30 samples selected from different residential homes by non-probability convenience sampling technique. Pre-test depression and mindfulness was assessed before the first day of intervention. Experimental group participants were provided intervention on MBSR. Assessment of post-test depression and mindfulness was done at the end of the intervention programme for both group participants. The study revealed significant reduction in depression (p