Searching for existential security: a prospective qualitative study on the influence of mindfulness therapy on experienced stress and coping strategies among patients with somatoform disorders.
Annemette Bondo Lind, Charlotte Delmar, Klaus Nielsen
Journal of Psychosomatic Research December 1, 2014 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2014.07.015 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Longitudinal pre- and post-treatment qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 22 |
| Population | Patients with somatoform disorders |
| Intervention | Mindfulness group therapy |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Alexithymia Coping Mindfulness therapy Psychotherapy Somatoform disorders Stress |
| Key findings | Mindfulness group therapy increased existential security in patients with somatoform disorders, improving illness perceptions, stress experiences, body- and self-awareness, coping strategies, self-image, social identity, and social functioning. |
Abstract
The aim was to explore how mindfulness group therapy for somatoform disorders influenced the patients' stress experiences, coping strategies and contextual psychosocial processes. A longitudinal pre- and post-treatment design, using 22 semi-structured individual pre- and post-treatment interviews. Data-analysis was based on a thematic methodology. Pre-treatment patients were struggling in an existential crisis, feeling existentially insecure about their social identity, the causes, consequences and management of their illness; experiencing difficulties identifying and expressing stress-related cognitions, emotions and feelings, and low bodily and emotional self-contact; often leading to avoidant coping, making these individuals highly stress-vulnerable. Post-treatment, the overall change was conceptualized as increased existential security, defined by patients being more self-confident; more clarified with their social identity, the nature, management and future prospects of their illness; generally using more flexible coping strategies to reduce their daily stress experiences. Four related subthemes were identified contributing to increased existential security: 1) more secure illness perceptions - feeling existentially recognized as "really" ill, 2) enhanced relaxation ability - using mindfulness techniques, 3) increased awareness - connecting differently to mind and body 4) improved ability to identify and express needs and feelings of distress - more active communicating. Patients suggested that mindfulness therapy could be expanded with more time for group-discussions followed by additional individual therapy. Generally, treatment positively influenced the patients' illness perceptions, stress-experiences, body- and self-awareness, coping strategies, self-image, social identity and social functioning. However, patients identified potentials for treatment improvements, and they needed further treatment to fully recover.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Development of Multi-Family Group and Mindfulness Treatment for Chronic Pain: Preliminary Outcomes Journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Treatment November 3, 2017
- The effectiveness of mindfulness training on coping with stress, exam anxiety, and happiness to promote health Journal of Education and Health Promotion May 31, 2021
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