Acceptability of mindfulness from the perspective of stroke survivors and caregivers: a qualitative study.
Bhautesh Dinesh Jani, Robert Simpson, Maggie Lawrence, Sharon Simpson, Stewart W Mercer
Pilot and Feasibility Studies 2018 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-018-0244-1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 28 |
| Population | Stroke survivors and their caregivers in an urban community in Scotland (UK); 21 stroke survivors (11 females) and 7 caregivers (5 females), median age 60 years |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 2-hour MBSR taster session, followed by focus group sessions; participants suggested an orientation session prior to an 8-week course |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Post-stroke depression Stroke survivors |
| Key findings | Most participants described the 2-hour MBSR taster session as a positive experience, though the main challenge reported was maintaining focus and concentration. Participants suggested shortening standard MBSR sessions and adding an orientation session before an 8-week course; the authors conclude it was feasible to recruit 21 stroke survivors and 7 caregivers for community MBSR taster sessions and that these modifications need further research and evaluation. |
Abstract
Depression is very common among stroke survivors with estimated prevalence rates of approximately 33% among stroke survivors, but treatment options are limited. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an effective treatment for depression generally, but benefits in stroke patients are unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of delivering MBSR to stroke survivors and their caregivers in the community. We conducted a study to gain views of MBSR as a potential treatment option among stroke survivors and their caregivers in the community. Participants were recruited from an urban community in Scotland (UK) using newspaper adverts, social media and support groups run by health charities. A 2-h MBSR taster session was delivered by two experienced mindfulness instructors, followed by focus group sessions with all participants on their user experience and suggestions for MBSR modifications for stroke survivors. The focus group sessions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcript data were analysed thematically using the framework approach. The study sample consisted of 28 participants (16 females); there were 21 stroke survivors (11 females) and 7 caregivers (5 females). The median age for participants was 60 years.Most participants described the MBSR taster session as a positive experience. The main challenge reported was trying to maintain focus and concentration throughout the MBSR session. Some participants expressed reservations about the duration of standard mindfulness course sessions, suggesting a preference for shorter sessions. The potential for achieving better control over negative thoughts and emotions was viewed as a potential facilitator for future MBSR participation. Participants suggested having an orientation session prior to starting an 8-week course as a means of developing familiarity with the MBSR instructor and other participants. It was feasible to recruit 21 stroke survivors and 7 caregivers for MBSR taster sessions in the community. A shorter MBSR session and an orientation session prior to the full course are suggestions for potential MBSR modifications for stroke survivors, which needs further research and evaluation.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 13
- Mindfulness-based interventions for people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-aggregation of qualitative research studies Disability and Rehabilitation September 9, 2021
- A qualitative analysis of free text comments of participants from a massive open online mindfulness course. Frontiers in Public Health 2022
- An online self-study mindfulness-based stress reduction course for people suffering from mental fatigue after an acquired brain injury. Brain Injury July 28, 2024
- Mechanisms of sustained mindfulness practice in stroke survivors: A critical realist secondary analysis of the HEADS: UP intervention. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice December 23, 2025
- Feasibility and Acceptability of a Remote, Asynchronous, Stroke-Tailored Mindfulness Intervention for Stroke Survivors and Support Persons. Journal of Neuroscience Nursing February 11, 2026
and 8 more in the library
Cites 11
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) improves long-term mental fatigue after stroke or traumatic brain injury Brain Injury July 13, 2012
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review BMC Neurology May 15, 2017
- Mindfulness-based interventions in epilepsy: a systematic review BMC Neurology March 20, 2017
- Optimising mindfulness-based stress reduction for people with multiple sclerosis. Chronic illness June 2018
- Clinical Utility of Mindfulness Training in the Treatment of Fatigue After Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury and Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology June 23, 2016
and 6 more in the library