A Qualitative Study of Mindfulness Among Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Practices Differentially Affect Symptoms, Aspects of Well-Being, and Potential Mechanisms of Action.
Dana Dharmakaya Colgan, Helané Wahbeh, Mollie Pleet, Kristen Besler, Michael Christopher
Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine January 2, 2017 DOI: 10.1177/2156587216684999 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 102 |
| Population | Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) |
| Interventions | Body scan Mindful breathing Slow breathing Sitting quietly |
| Topics | Meditation PTSD |
| Keywords | Humans Adaptation, psychological Arousal Stress disorders, post-traumatic Qualitative research Adult Middle aged Veterans Female |
| Key findings | Six core themes emerged across the four groups: enhanced present-moment awareness, increased nonreactivity, increased nonjudgmental acceptance, decreased physiological arousal and stress reactivity, increased active coping skills, and greater relaxation. More participants in the mindfulness intervention groups reported improvement in PTSD symptoms than participants in non-mindfulness groups, and the authors suggest different interventions targeted different symptoms and potential mechanisms of action. |
Abstract
This qualitative study explored and compared the subjective experiences of 102 veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 arms: ( a) body scan, ( b) mindful breathing, ( c) slow breathing, or ( d) sitting quietly. Qualitative data were obtained via semistructured interviews following the intervention and analyzed using conventional content analysis. The percentage of participants within each intervention who endorsed a specific theme was calculated. Two-proportion z tests were then calculated to determine if the differences among themes endorsed in specific groups were statistically significant. Six core themes emerged from analysis of participant responses across the 4 groups: ( a) enhanced present moment awareness, ( b) increased nonreactivity, ( c) increased nonjudgmental acceptance, ( d) decreased physiological arousal and stress reactivity, ( e) increased active coping skills, and ( f) greater relaxation. More participants in the mindfulness intervention groups reported improvement in PTSD symptoms when compared to participants in non-mindfulness groups. Different types of intervention targeted different symptoms and aspects of well-being. Furthermore, type of intervention may have also differentially targeted potential mechanisms of action. This article highlights the importance of employing both quantitative and qualitative research methods when investigating the dynamic process of mindfulness and may inform how practices can be tailored to the needs of the veteran with PTSD.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on PTSD, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- The neuroscience of meditation: classification, phenomenology, correlates, and mechanisms. Progress in Brain Research 2019
- Comparison of two brief mindfulness interventions for anxiety, stress and burnout in mental health professionals: a randomised crossover trial. Frontiers in Psychology 2023
- Mindful nonreactivity moderates the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. Journal of Loss and Trauma January 31, 2022
- Mindfulness-based interventions for military veterans: A systematic review and analysis of the literature. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice February 2021
- Veterans' interests, perceptions, and use of mindfulness. SAGE Open Medicine July 31, 2020
and 2 more in the library
Cites 16
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- A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation versus relaxation training: Effects on distress, positive states of mind, rumination, and distraction Annals of Behavioral Medicine February 1, 2007
- Mindfulness, by any other name…: trials and tribulations of sati in western psychology and science Contemporary Buddhism May 1, 2011
- A PILOT STUDY OF GROUP MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY (MBCT) FOR COMBAT VETERANS WITH POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) Depression and Anxiety April 17, 2013
and 11 more in the library