A randomized, controlled trial study of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction program on depression and physical problems in depressed elderly individuals

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on depression and physical problems in depressed elderly individuals. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on two groups of 30 depressed elderly individuals over 60 years old using purposive sampling. The GDS and the PE-PSI questionnaires were administered to both groups before and after the intervention. A standardized 8-week MBSR training program was held for the experimental group weekly for 1.5 hours. The results showed that between the beginning and 8 weeks of MBSR therapeutic intervention, the level of depression in the elderly individuals significantly decreased (p < 0.001). However, significant improvements in changes in physical problems measured by PE-PSI were not found (p > 0.05). This study provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of MBSR as a suitable treatment for the elderly individuals, which caregivers and psychologists in nursing homes can use to improve the mental well-being of the elderly individuals.