643-P: Perceived Usefulness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes
Lucille Ferrara, Sophie R. Kaufman
Diabetes June 1, 2022 DOI: 10.2337/db22-643-p (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 13 |
| Population | Adults over 18 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a recent A1C greater than 7% |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 8-week MBSR course with follow-up at 6 and 12 months post-intervention |
| Measures | Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Participants with type 2 diabetes who completed an 8-week MBSR course reported greater awareness of stress, less reactive responses, and increased self-compassion. They continued using mindfulness practices at 6 and 12 months post-intervention, and Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale scores increased over time. |
Abstract
Diabetes management can be burdensome and stressful. Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a method that has shown to help mitigate stress. This qualitative study, as part of a larger study, examined the effects of MBSR on stress in persons with DM2 participating in an 8-week MBSR course and explored how
Participants: Gained insight regarding their stress Identified aspects of MBSR perceived as useful for stress management Continued to incorporate mindfulness practice in their daily lives as a method of stress management (6 months and 1 year post-intervention) Study Population: 13 adults > 18 years with DM2 having a recent A1C >7% who committed to participate in an 8-week MBSR course. Study
Design: Qualitative study exploring the effects of MBSR on stress in persons with DM2. Participants enrolled in an 8-week MBSR course completed open-ended questionnaires at orientation, mid-way, and upon completion of the course to assess learning and attitude towards stress. Video recordings of the classes were transcribed and analyzed. Participants completed the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) at the start and end of the course. Participants received follow-up at 6 and 12 months post intervention, including completing the MAAS and were surveyed about the incorporation of mindfulness into their daily lives.
Results: Participants shared their realization of the effect of stress on their body and mind, and reported noticing patterns of reactivity, and learning to let go and respond rather than react to stressors. Participants’ reflections and observed behaviors illustrated increased self-awareness, curiosity, patience, less self-judgment, and compassion and kindness toward their experience. Participants reported incorporating mindfulness in their daily routine at 6 month and 12 month post intervention, including meditation, yoga, mindful eating, different response to stressful situations, and better focus. MAAS: Results indicated an increase in MAAS scores over time. Disclosure: L.Ferrara: None. S.R.Kaufman: None.
Funding: Josiah Macy Foundation (P19014)
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.