The Effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Depression, Caregiver Burden, and Alexithymia in Caregivers of Elderly Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease
Keywords:
Depression, mindfulness-based stress reduction program, caregiving stress, alexithymiaAbstract
Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on depression, caregiver burden, and alexithymia among caregivers of elderly individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
Methodology: This was a quasi-experimental study using a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all caregivers of elderly individuals with Alzheimer’s disease who attended the Iran Alzheimer’s Association in Arak between January 2024 and August 2024. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and then randomly assigned to the experimental group (receiving the MBSR program) (n = 15) and the control group (n = 15). Data collection tools included the Depression Questionnaire, the Caregiver Burden Questionnaire, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, administered at three time points: baseline, post-intervention, and a three-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance (MANOVA).
Findings: The findings indicated that in the group receiving the MBSR program, the mean scores of caregiver burden, depression, and alexithymia significantly decreased compared to the control group (P < .001).
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program can be effective in improving caregiver burden, depression, and alexithymia among caregivers of elderly individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
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