Mindfulness Intervention for Navigating and Decreasing Stress (MINDS-V): Effectiveness of a Tailored Trauma-Informed Mental Health Intervention for Australian Veterans.

Abstract

Veterans face unique mental health challenges, including elevated rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, compounded by cultural barriers to traditional therapies. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) offers a trauma-informed, non-pharmacological intervention tailored to align with military values. This study employed a repeated-measures design with 4 time points (pre-intervention, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and 2-month follow-up) to evaluate the effectiveness of an MBSR program on Australian veterans' PTSD, depression, anxiety, and mindfulness outcomes. Findings revealed significant reductions in PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms, but not for mindfulness state. Despite a slight symptom resurgence at follow-up, scores remained significantly improved from baseline. The tailored MBSR intervention demonstrated significant benefits in managing PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Although changes in mindfulness state were not observed, symptom improvements suggest that mindfulness practice may support emotional regulation. Long-term engagement strategies, such as booster sessions or community-based support groups, are essential for sustaining these outcomes.