Perceptions of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy intervention: Focus group findings examining acceptability for African Americans with epilepsy.
Robin E McGee, Elizabeth I Ojemakinde, Nancy J Thompson, Cam Escoffery, Rakale C Quarells
Epilepsy & Behavior October 9, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2025.110755 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 35 |
| Population | African Americans with epilepsy and support persons to African Americans with epilepsy |
| Intervention | Project UPLIFT |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Epilepsy Focus groups Perception Adult Middle aged Female Cognitive behavioral therapy African americans Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Cultural adaptation Formative evaluation |
| Key findings | Participants affirmed the acceptability and perceived effectiveness of Project UPLIFT, liked aspects of the program, suggested only minimal changes, identified the content as true to their experience, and valued group-based delivery. The authors conclude the program appears acceptable and of interest to African Americans with epilepsy and support testing its efficacy for reducing depression in this group. |
Abstract
Depression commonly co-occurs in people with epilepsy (PWE). Reducing depression in PWE may contribute to improved quality of life and outcomes. Project UPLIFT, a distance-delivered, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy program has reduced depressive symptoms among PWE. Little is known about the acceptability of the program among African Americans with epilepsy. Thus, we conducted a formative evaluation to assess African Americans' cultural adaptation needs and to identify any associated required changes.
Methods: Focus groups of African Americans with epilepsy and support persons to African Americans with epilepsy were conducted to elicit suggestions for program adaptation. Participants received the intervention materials prior to the focus group. Using a semi-structured guide, we asked about their perceptions of Project UPLIFT. The focus groups were recorded and transcribed. We used thematic analysis to explore acceptability of Project UPLIFT for African Americans with epilepsy.
Results: There were 6 focus groups with 4 of PWE (n = 22) and 2 of support persons (n = 13). Participants affirmed the acceptability and perceived effectiveness of Project UPLIFT. With affirming acceptability, they liked aspects of the program and suggested minimal changes. Participants were willing to try the activities and identified the content as true to their experience. With perceived effectiveness, they described variations in experiences and highlighted the value of group-based delivery.
Conclusions: Project UPLIFT, as presented in previous trials, appears acceptable, and of interest, to African Americans with epilepsy. These results support testing the efficacy of this intervention in reducing depression among African Americans with epilepsy.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- The Cultural Relevance of Mindfulness Meditation as a Health Intervention for African Americans Journal of Holistic Nursing January 17, 2014
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for the treatment of current depressive symptoms: a meta-analysis Cognitive Behaviour Therapy February 8, 2019
- Examining mindfulness-based stress reduction: Perceptions from minority older adults residing in a low-income housing facility BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine May 31, 2011
- Mind-Body Interventions to Reduce Risk for Health Disparities Related to Stress and Strength Among African American Women: The Potential of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Loving-Kindness, and the NTU Therapeutic Framework. Complementary health practice review December 14, 2010
- Distance delivery of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: project UPLIFT. Epilepsy & Behavior November 2010