Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Caregivers

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on cognitive control and flexibility, psychological well-being, and self-compassion in primary caregivers of individuals with chronic mental illnesses receiving services from a community mental health center. Caregiving for individuals with chronic mental health conditions often involves sustained emotional, cognitive, and social demands, which may increase vulnerability to psychological distress and reduce adaptive coping capacities.

The study is designed as a mixed-methods research utilizing an exploratory sequential design, integrating qualitative and quantitative research components. In the initial qualitative phase, in-depth, face-to-face interviews are planned to explore caregivers' experiences, perceived challenges, coping strategies, and expectations related to caregiving and psychological support. The qualitative findings are intended to guide the development, adaptation, and content refinement of the MBSR intervention in accordance with the specific needs of the caregiver population.

Following the qualitative phase, the quantitative component of the study is designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial. Eligible caregivers are planned to be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving the MBSR program or a control group receiving routine services. The MBSR program is structured to include mindfulness practices, psychoeducation, and experiential exercises aimed at enhancing present-moment awareness, emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and self-compassion.

Standardized self-report instruments are planned to be used to assess cognitive control and flexibility, psychological well-being, and self-compassion at predefined assessment points. The quantitative findings are intended to complement the qualitative results and to provide a systematic evaluation of the potential effects of the MBSR program.

The integration of qualitative and quantitative findings is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intervention process and outcomes, supporting the development of evidence-based psychosocial interventions for caregivers of individuals with chronic mental illnesses within community mental health service settings.

Inclusion criteria

• Being the primary caregiver of an individual with a chronic mental illness who is registered at the Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) of Söke Fehime Faik Kocagöz State Hospital
• Residing in the Söke district of Aydın province
• Being literate
• Having been the primary caregiver of the patient for at least six months

Exclusion criteria

• Having been diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder
• Having an intellectual disability
• Data from caregivers who submitted incomplete data collection forms were excluded from the study
• Caregivers who chose to withdraw from the study during the research process were excluded, and any data obtained from them were not used in the analysis
• Individuals who missed more than two sessions of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program were excluded, and their data were not included in the study