Article Summary

Study Title: “The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Perceived Stress and

Geriatric Depression in Older Adults”

Purpose of the Research

The study's purpose is to explore the effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Stress

Reduction (MBSR) approach in alleviating depression and s isress levels among the elderly

among senior residents of a nursing home in Turkey.

Hypothesis Tested

The hypothesis being tested is whether an MBSR intervention would result in a

substantial decrease in stress levels and geriatric depression scores among older persons in the

treatment group in comparison to those in the control group who will not receive this program.

Research Methodology

The researchers used a randomized controlled experimental study design to test the

impact of the MBSR program. Between May and November 2021, data was gathered from 54

elderly residents of nursing homes; 48 of them satisfied the requirements for inclusion, making

up the sample (24 subjects in both treatment and control groups). The intervention group got the

MBSR, while the control group obtained no intervention. Perceived stress and geriatric

depression were measured using the individual detailing form, the Geriatric Depression Scale-

Short Form, and the Perceived Stress Scale.

Pertinent Results of the Manipulation

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The results showed a substantial decrease in the associated distress levels among

participants who participated in the MBSR program, where the total perceived stress scores were

significantly reduced by 54.7%. Furthermore, sub-dimensions of self-efficacy perceived as

insufficient and stress/distress perceived showed 49.9% and 49.8% decreases,

respectively. Additionally, the program brought about a 14.1% decrease in senior depression

scores, of which the effect was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Methodological Limitations and Future Directions

Despite the positive results arising from the MBSR strategy for the diminishing of stress

levels and geriatric depression among the elders, there are a few methodological issues to take

into account. Some of these could be selective bias in participant selection, self-report measures,

and a short follow-up period, one month after the completion of the program. Further research

attempts to resolve these limitations by using larger sample sizes, employing objective measures

of well-being, and conducting longer-term follow-up assessments, which help reveal the

sustainability of intervention effects.

Societal ramifications & prospective research trajectory

The findings of this study have great societal significance for the promotion of

psychological health and quality of life of seniors, especially those in nursing homes. Further

studies on these topics may provide information on other factors related to the success of

mindfulness practices, such as mindfulness practice adherence, individual differences, and the

role of social networks. Furthermore, researching the long-term influence of mindfulness

interventions on various domains of older adults' well-being could be an invaluable source of

information for designing focused interventions and enhancing mental health care for this

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population segment. In summary, the study opens the door to possible benefits of the MBSR

program in reducing feelings of levels of stress and depression among the elderly by

emphasizing the significance of mindfulness approaches in mental health and well-being

promotion in the aging population.