Abstract
To determine whether MBSR groups would help gay men living with HIV improve psychosocial functioning and increase mindfulness
compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU). Methods: 117 participants were randomized 2:1 to MBSR or TAU. No new psychosocial or
psychopharmacological interventions were initiated within 2 months of baseline. Standardized questionnaires were administered
pre-, postintervention and at 6 months. An intent-to-treat analysis found significant benefits of MBSR: at post-intervention
and 6 months follow up, MBSR participants had significantly lower avoidance in IES and higher positive affect compared to
controls. MBSR participants developed more mindfulness as measured by the Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS) including both TMS
subscales, curiosity and decentering, at 8-week and 6 months. For the sample as a whole, increase in mindfulness was significantly
correlated with reduction in avoidance, higher positive affect and improvement in depression at 6 months. MBSR has specific
and clinically meaningful effects in this population.
compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU). Methods: 117 participants were randomized 2:1 to MBSR or TAU. No new psychosocial or
psychopharmacological interventions were initiated within 2 months of baseline. Standardized questionnaires were administered
pre-, postintervention and at 6 months. An intent-to-treat analysis found significant benefits of MBSR: at post-intervention
and 6 months follow up, MBSR participants had significantly lower avoidance in IES and higher positive affect compared to
controls. MBSR participants developed more mindfulness as measured by the Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS) including both TMS
subscales, curiosity and decentering, at 8-week and 6 months. For the sample as a whole, increase in mindfulness was significantly
correlated with reduction in avoidance, higher positive affect and improvement in depression at 6 months. MBSR has specific
and clinically meaningful effects in this population.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s10865-011-9350-8
- Authors
- Bill Gayner, Clinic for HIV-Related Concerns, Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Hospital, Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Health Complex, 600 University Ave., Rm. 965A, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
- Mary Jane Esplen, Behavioral Sciences and Health, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Peter DeRoche, Clinic for HIV-Related Concerns, Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Hospital, Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Health Complex, 600 University Ave., Rm. 965A, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
- Jiahui Wong, de Souza Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Scott Bishop, Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lynn Kavanagh, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Kate Butler, Behavioral Sciences and Health, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Journal Journal of Behavioral Medicine
- Online ISSN 1573-3521
- Print ISSN 0160-7715