An adapted mindfulness-based stress reduction program for elders in a continuing care retirement community: quantitative and qualitative results from a pilot randomized controlled trial.
Aleezé S Moss, Diane K. Reibel, Jeffrey M Greeson, Anjali Thapar, Rebecca Bubb, Jacqueline Salmon, Andrew B. Newberg
Journal of Applied Gerontology December 9, 2014 DOI: 10.1177/0733464814559411 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized waitlist-controlled mixed-methods pilot study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 39 |
| Population | Elders (mean age 82 years) living in a continuing care community |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 8-week program |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Pilot projects Stress, psychological Qualitative research Quality of life Middle aged Female Interviews as topic Elders Continuing care communities |
| Key points | MBSR participants showed significantly greater improvement than waitlist controls in acceptance and psychological flexibility and in role limitations due to physical health. Qualitative interviews indicated increased awareness, less judgment, and greater self-compassion. The authors conclude the adapted program is feasible and potentially effective for promoting mind-body health in elders. |
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and effectiveness of an adapted 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program for elders in a continuing care community. This mixed-methods study used both quantitative and qualitative measures. A randomized waitlist control design was used for the quantitative aspect of the study. Thirty-nine elderly were randomized to MBSR (n = 20) or a waitlist control group (n = 19), mean age was 82 years. Both groups completed pre-post measures of health-related quality of life, acceptance and psychological flexibility, facets of mindfulness, self-compassion, and psychological distress. A subset of MBSR participants completed qualitative interviews. MBSR participants showed significantly greater improvement in acceptance and psychological flexibility and in role limitations due to physical health. In the qualitative interviews, MBSR participants reported increased awareness, less judgment, and greater self-compassion. Study results demonstrate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of an adapted MBSR program in promoting mind-body health for elders.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 23
- Standardised Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Healthcare: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of RCTs PLoS One April 16, 2015
- Mindful Sustainable Aging: Advancing a Comprehensive Approach to the Challenges and Opportunities of Old Age Europe’s Journal of Psychology August 19, 2015
- The effect of the Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction program on the level of perceived stress and geriatric depression in older adults: a randomised controlled study Psychogeriatrics January 3, 2023
- Mindfulness Interventions in Older Adults for Mental Health and Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis. The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences March 12, 2025
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for fibromyalgia patients: The role of pain cognitions as mechanisms of change. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice August 1, 2024
and 18 more in the library
Cites 24
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Psychosomatic Medicine July 1, 2003
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
and 19 more in the library