Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Intervention as a Preventative Approach for Elderly Individuals at Risk of Depression and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Rachna Garg, Shubhagata Awasthi, Naveen Gupta
preprint DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5386036/v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed-method pilot study Randomized Qualitative |
|---|---|
| Population | Elderly participants aged 60–75 years with mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (MBCBI) |
| Duration | 10-week program with weekly 90-minute sessions |
| Measures | Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Resilience Scale |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Key points | The 10-week MBCBI program significantly reduced depression and anxiety levels (p < 0.05) and improved resilience scores. Participants also reported enhanced emotional regulation, social connection, and self-awareness. The authors suggest MBCBI is a promising preventative intervention for at-risk elderly individuals, pending confirmation in larger, diverse samples. |
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Mental health challenges, particularly depression and anxiety, are increasingly prevalent among the elderly, highlighting a need for preventative strategies. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (MBCBI) combines mindfulness techniques with cognitive restructuring to enhance emotional regulation and resilience in older adults. This pilot study examines the efficacy of MBCBI in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, with an emphasis on its potential as a preventative mental health approach for at-risk elderly individuals.
Method: This study utilized a mixed-method approach with elderly participants aged 60–75 years who presented mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Participants underwent a 10-week MBCBI program, involving weekly 90-minute sessions focused on mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Quantitative data were collected using the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and a Resilience Scale, while qualitative insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews.
Results: The MBCBI program demonstrated significant reductions in participants’ depression and anxiety levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, resilience scores improved, and participants reported enhanced emotional regulation and a stronger sense of social connection and self-awareness.
Conclusion: Findings from this pilot study suggest that MBCBI is an effective preventative intervention for elderly individuals at risk of mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety. MBCBI’s integration of mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral elements offers a promising approach to strengthening resilience and reducing psychological distress among aging populations. Further research with larger, diverse samples is recommended to confirm and generalize these results.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on anxiety, most cited first.