Digital MBSR training for TIN* Individuals

A digital mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training improved mindfulness skills, life satisfaction with health, and fatigue similarly in transgender and gender-nonconforming (TIN*) individuals and cisgender individuals. TIN* participants reported higher stress, lower life satisfaction, and lower mindfulness than cisgender participants both before and after training, regardless of the intervention. Gender dysphoria scores among TIN* participants did not change. The authors conclude that digital MBSR is effective for TIN* persons but that their persistently higher distress suggests a need for tailored interventions.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction: A mindfulness-based online intervention can be as effective as face-to-face training in Cisgender persons.Aim: This study compares MBSR training effects in TIN* individuals to Cis persons.Methods: 236 subjects were divided into a TIN* experimental group (n = 34) and a Cis group (n = 202), both receiving digital training in the longitudinal studie. All subjects completed questionnaires on their mindfulness skills (Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS)), life satisfaction (Fragebogen zur allgemeinen Lebenszufriedenheit (FLZ)), and stress and recovery (RESTQ) before and after training. TIN* individuals also completed the Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale (UGDS) at two points.Results: Mindfulness, life satisfaction with health, and fatigue improved similarly over the training in TIN* and Cis individuals. Gender dysphoria remained unchanged. TIN* individuals reported more stress, lower life satisfaction, and mindfulness than Cis individuals, independent of MBSR training.Conclusion: Digital MBSR training is effective for TIN* persons. Differential effects compared to Cis persons weren't found, but TIN* persons reported higher stress and lower life satisfaction, indicating a need for tailored interventions.