Measurement of quality of life and participant experience with the mindfulness-based stress reduction program.
Clinical studies of MBSR have reported efficacy in treating pain, mood disorders, arthritis, sleep disturbances, and stress. Several academic medical institutions in the United States offer MBSR to their patients, but it has never been offered at Mayo Clinic. The objective of this study was to collect quality-of-life data from subjects who participated in the first MBSR program offered at Mayo Clinic. The class was taught as a collaborative effort with the University of Minnesota that had an established MBSR program. Sixteen participants completed a validated, 12-question, linear analogue self-assessment instrument, administered at the beginning and end of the program. Comparison of assessment scores using paired t-tests showed statistically significant improvement in overall quality of life (P=0.04), mental well-being (P=0.005), physical well-being (P<0.001), emotional well-being (P<0.001), level of social activity (P=.02), and spiritual well-being (P=0.006). Although positive changes also were observed for frequency of pain, severity of pain, level of fatigue, level of support from friends and family, and financial and legal concerns, they were not statistically significant. A short intervention in the education of mindfulness significantly improved quality of life for participants.
University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Kathleen F
KF
Flugel Colle
Ann
A
Vincent
Stephen S
SS
Cha
Laura L
LL
Loehrer
Brent A
BA
Bauer
Dietlind L
DL
Wahner-Roedler
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006262:Health; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012064:Relaxation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012647:Self-Assessment; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires