Abstract
Background: Numerous studies have found Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) to be useful for a wide range of problems including anxiety, pain and coping with a medical illness. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week MBSR programme in relieving distress in a community based sample.
Methods: Subjects (n = 14) were participants in the MBSR programme at a major academic medical center and completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) prior to starting the class and at the end of the 8-week course. Means and standard deviations were computed for the pre-and post-POMS total and subscale measures and the MAAS. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was conducted. Results: There were significant reductions on multiple dimensions of distress on the POMS as well as a significant increase in mindful awareness as measured by the MAAS.
Conclusion: These results suggest that MBSR appears to be associated with a reduction of distress and increased awareness of everyday life experiences in a sample of residents living in a large urban community. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Key Practitioner Message:
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) appears to be an acceptable modality for mild to moderate psychological distress in a community sample.
• Mindfulness training is associated with reduction in psychological distress.
• Mindful Attention Awareness scale scores improved following an 8-week MBSR course.