Effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Intervention In Anxiety Disorder: A Qualitative Case Study

A three-month mindfulness-based intervention helped three people with anxiety disorders feel more in control of their emotions and less trapped by anxiety. Before the intervention, participants described living with anxiety and using available resources to cope. After the intervention, the nature of those coping resources shifted, and participants reported an evolved sense of self, greater self-confidence, and improved quality of life. The analysis suggests that the process of change involves both a shift in how individuals use resources and a transformed perception of themselves.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Background Mindfulness based interventions (MBIs) have shown effectiveness in anxiety disorders with most studies suggesting moderate level of efficacy. Majority of the studies are based on outcome and efficacy measures of intervention. Enough attention on the process of intervention and mechanism of change in MBI has not been widely explored. In this context, the present study focused on the process through which MBI brings about a change. Methodology The study was a case study with three participants. All of them had a primary diagnosis of anxiety and underwent MBI spanning over 3 months approximately. Two interviews (pre and post) treatment was conducted and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis as a method. Result Analysis The analysis revealed significant improvement in participants and three important themes came up which explained this process of change- The first theme centered on the participants’ experience of living with anxiety. The second theme centered on the individual’s utilization of available resources to cope with anxiety and how the nature and characteristics of these resources shifted from pre- to the post- intervention phase. The third theme (the evolved self) featured on the participants’ perception of self as they completed the MBI program and learned to view the world through its lenses. Conclusion This study revealed that MBI was effective in participants diagnosed with anxiety disorder. The participants reported that when faced with challenging situations they were better able to handle their emotions and felt more in control of themselves. Their anxiety did not make them feel entrapped like before and they could carry on productive work much better. There was enhanced sense of self confidence and improved Quality of life in the participants