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

Abstract

Background This study aims to reveal the effect of the Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on the perceived stress and geriatric depression levels of older adults. Methods The data of this randomised controlled experimental study were obtained from older adults living in a nursing home in Turkey, between May and November, 2021. The target population consisted of 54 older adults living in the specified nursing home, and the sample consisted of 48 older adults who met the inclusion criteria (n = 24 intervention group, n = 24 control group). The MBSR program was applied to the older adults in the intervention group. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Geriatric Depression Scale‐Short Form. Results It was revealed that the MBSR program led to a 54.7% decrease in the perceived stress total scores of the participants, and a 49.9% and 49.8% decrease in the sub‐dimensions of perceived insufficient self‐efficacy and perceived stress/distress, respectively. It was also found that the program reduced geriatric depression scores by 14.1% and created a significant effect (P < 0.05). Conclusions It can be concluded that the MBSR program is an effective method in reducing the perceived stress and geriatric depression levels of older adults. This effect has been maintained 1 month after the completion of the program.

Protective roles of meditation practice and self‐esteem on cognitive functions over time: findings from the Midlife in the United States study

“…53 Negative effects of stress on cognitive function are well documented. 52,54 During stressful periods, an individual's sympathetic nervous system is triggered; as a result, various inflammatory neurotransmitters such as cytokines are released, which may have adverse effects on (cognitive) health. Mind-body practice, such as yoga, has a downregulating effect on the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in response to stress.…”

“…Further, mind–body practices have been found to be associated with increased physical activity, reduced stress, and increased well‐being 52 (Rocha et al ., 2012) 53 . Negative effects of stress on cognitive function are well documented 52,54 .…”

“…Further, mind–body practices have been found to be associated with increased physical activity, reduced stress, and increased well‐being 52 (Rocha et al ., 2012) 53 . Negative effects of stress on cognitive function are well documented 52,54 . During stressful periods, an individual's sympathetic nervous system is triggered; as a result, various inflammatory neurotransmitters such as cytokines are released, which may have adverse effects on (cognitive) health.…”

Cognitive, psychological, and physiological effects of a web-based mindfulness intervention in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: an open study

“…Consequently, protective factors cultivated through mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can act as buffers against these stressors, offering an effective means of enhancing mental health in older adults [8]. Accordingly, a growing body of research suggests that MBIs in the elderly can have beneficial effects on psychological outcomes, including emotional wellbeing, stress, depression and anxiety, rumination and worry [4,[9][10][11][12][13]. Moreover, there is evidence of improvements in cognition, particularly attention and executive functions [14,15].…”