Article Summary Study Title: “The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

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.