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Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction: effect on emotional distress in diabetes.

Laura A Young, Anne R Cappola, Michael J. Baime

Practical diabetes international : the journal for diabetes care teams worldwide 2009 DOI: 10.1002/pdi.1380 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Retrospective analysis Peer reviewed
Sample size 25
Population Individuals with diabetes
Intervention Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Duration Eight weeks
Measures Profile of Mood States Short Form (POMS-SF)
Topics Meditation
Keywords Diabetes distress Mindfulness meditation
Key points MBSR training significantly improved overall mood and all six POMS-SF subscales from baseline to post-training. Participants with diabetes had higher distress at baseline than population means but similar distress after MBSR. The authors conclude that MBSR is a promising intervention to decrease psychological distress in this population.

Abstract

Psychological distress is common in patients with diabetes. Little is known about the impact of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a non-traditional, cognitive behavioural intervention designed to improve stress management skills, in patients with diabetes. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the impact of MBSR training on mood states in 25 individuals with diabetes. All participants completed the Profile of Mood States Short Form (POMS-SF) at baseline and following eight weeks of MBSR. Overall psychological distress measured by the total mood score (TMS) and six subscales - including tension/anxiety, depression/dejection, anger/hostility, fatigue/inertia, confusion/bewilderment and vigour/activity - were assessed. Overall mood, measured by the TMS, as well as all subscale mood measurements improved significantly from baseline following MBSR training. Compared to population means, those with diabetes had higher distress at baseline and similar levels of distress following MBSR training. The primary reason participants reported for enrolling in the MBSR course was to improve stress management skills. It was concluded that MBSR training is a promising, group-based intervention that can be used to decrease psychological distress in individuals with diabetes who perceive a need for training in stress management.