The goal of this clinical trial is to test the feasibility and acceptability of loving-kindness meditation among adults 50 years and older. It will also examine the benefits of this intervention and compare the outcomes between two groups (intervention and wait-list control).
The main aim of the research is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Loving-kindness meditation intervention among adults 50 years or older. It will also examine the intervention's preliminary impact on loneliness, self-compassion, cognitive function, and psychological well-being. The study will use a randomized controlled trial with waitlist control.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
59
Loving-kindness meditation is a type of mindfulness practice where the focus is on love/compassion and kindness for self and others. The guided meditation will be provided via recording device. The intervention is 4 week long.
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Change in Loneliness
A 3-item modified UCLA loneliness scale will be used to measure loneliness. The scores on this scale range from 3 to 9, the highest scores indicative of a higher level of loneliness. We will measure loneliness at baseline, post-intervention and 2 follow-up periods to measure the change in loneliness level because of the loving-kindness meditation intervention.
Time frame: baseline, immediately post-intervention, and week 4 and week 8 post intervention (follow-up periods).
Change in Self-compassion
A 12-item Self-compassion Short form Scale by Kirsten Neff will be used to measure self-compassion. The scores on this scale rages from 1-5. The highest scores are indicative of better self-compassion. We will measure self-compassion at baseline and post-intervention periods to measure the change in self-compassion because of the loving-kindness meditation intervention.
Time frame: baseline, immediately post-intervention, and week 4 and week 8 post intervention.
Change in Anxiety
A 4-item PROMIS Emotional Distress: Anxiety Scale will be used to measure anxiety. The scores on this scale range from 4 to 20, the highest scores indicative of a higher feeling of anxiety. We will measure anxiety at baseline and post-intervention periods to measure the change in anxiety level because of the loving-kindness meditation intervention.
Time frame: baseline, immediately post-intervention, and week 4 and week 8 post intervention.
Change in Depressive Symptoms
A 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression Scale will be used to measure depressive symptoms. The scores on this scale range from 10 to 40, the highest scores indicative of a higher feeling of depression. We will measure depressive symptoms at baseline and post-intervention periods to measure the change in depressive symptoms because of the loving-kindness meditation intervention.
Time frame: baseline, immediately post-intervention, and week 4 and week 8 post intervention.
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