The research is carried out by PhD student Azize Gözde Atakoğlu under the supervision of Associate Professor Gülcan Kendirkıran. This study was conducted with a randomized control group, experimental research design in order to determine the effects of mindfulness-based training on stress perception and well-being in caregivers of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. The research data were collected at the Community Mental Health Center affiliated with a Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul between 15 September 2022 and 1 February 2023. Before commencing the study, an ethical approval decision was obtained from the Haliç University Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee (May 25, 2022-90). Subsequently, an institutional permit for the study (June 28, 2022-637) was obtained from the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate Bakırköy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Training and Research Hospital, along with the ethics committee approval. The sample of the study consisted of caregivers of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, 15 in the intervention group, 15 in the psychoeducation group, and 30 in the control group (n=60). The study data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWS), Participant Experience Form (PEF), Post-Experience Stress Assessment Questionnaire (PSSQ), and Home Application Note Form. Frequency tables and descriptive statistics were used in the interpretation of the findings. For measurement values suitable for normal distribution, "ANOVA" test (F-table value), "Repeated Measures" test (F-table value), for measurement values not suitable for normal distribution, Kruskal-Wallis H" test (χ2-table value), "Friedman" test (χ2-table value) method was used. "Pearson-χ2" was used to examine the relationships between two qualitative variables, and "Spearman" correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationships between two quantitative variables not having normal distribution. As a result of this study, it was found that mindfulness-based intervention reduced stress in caregivers and contributed to psychological well-being (p\<0.05). In addition, it was observed that the effect continued even though it decreased in follow-up tests. In this direction, it is recommended that follow-up tests be kept longer and intermediate interventions be added in other studies to be conducted. It is also recommended that qualitative studies be conducted on this subject in order to obtain detailed feedback on the processes related to the initiatives.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
57
The mindfulness-based training program was completed in a total of five sessions (one day per week, 60 minutes, for a total of five consecutive weeks).
The "Psychoeducational Program," themed around stress, well-being, and mindfulness, was completed in two sessions (two sessions over five weeks, each lasting 60 minutes).
Zeytinburnu Community Mental Health Center, affiliated with the Istanbul Bakırköy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Training and Research Hospital.
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Perceived Stress Scale
The scale consists of 14 items in a 5-point Likert type. 7 items with positive expressions (4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13) are reverse coded and high scores indicate a high level of perceived stress. The scale has 2 sub-dimensions as "perception of inadequacy" and "perception of stress/discomfort." The score to be obtained from PSS-14 varies between 0 and 56. The Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of the Turkish scale was determined as 0.84 and its reliability as 0.87. Cronbach's Alpha values obtained in this study are as follows in the whole sample; inadequate self-efficacy perception is 0.89, stress discomfort perception is 0.79, PSS total is 0.89.
Time frame: Before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 1 month after the last measurement
Psychological Well-Being Scale
The items of PWB are answered on a scale of 1-7, from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (7). All items are expressed positively. Scores range from 8 (if strongly disagree is answered to all items) to 56 (if strongly agree is answered to all items). A high score indicates that the person has many psychological resources and strengths. Although the scale does not provide separate measurements of aspects of well-being, it provides an overview of positive functions in different areas that are believed to be important. The Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient obtained in the reliability study of the scale was calculated as .80 (Telef, 2013). Cronbach's Alpha values obtained in this study; is 0.91 in the entire sample.
Time frame: Before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 1 month after the last measurement
Personal Information Form
This form consisted of 23 multiple-choice and open-ended questions regarding the participants' individual characteristics, their knowledge of caregiving, and their perceptions of mental health-related stress and well-being. The form was developed by the researchers based on literature. Expert opinion was obtained to determine its appropriateness.
Time frame: Before the intervention
Participant Experience Form
This form was developed by researchers to identify the experiences of mindfulness group members participating in a mindfulness-based training program, including their emotions, thoughts, and perceptions, as well as their subjective evaluations of the training process. The form consists of nine items, with responses ranging from 1 to 5, from not at all (1) to completely (5).
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention
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