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Mindfulnes-Based Stress Reduction for Older Couples with Metabolic Syndrome: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Joan K Monin1, C Maria Sperduto1, Andrew Wilhelm Manigault2
1Departments of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was feasible for older couples with metabolic syndrome. Wives showed improvements in physical functioning and relationship satisfaction, while husbands did not, suggesting gender-specific benefits.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Behavioral Medicine
- Psychology
Background:
- Metabolic syndrome is a growing concern in older adults, impacting physical and relational well-being.
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a standardized program with potential benefits for stress and health.
- Older married couples face unique challenges and opportunities for health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of a couple-based MBSR program for older adults with metabolic syndrome.
- To explore the physical, psychological, relational, and biological effects of MBSR in this population.
- To investigate potential gender differences in response to the intervention.
Main Methods:
- A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared MBSR to a Wait List Control (WLC).
- Twenty-two spouses (11 couples) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up.
- Measures included self-reported functioning, relationship satisfaction, and biological markers of metabolic syndrome.
Main Results:
- MBSR was feasible, with good adherence among couples.
- Wives in the MBSR group showed significant improvements in physical functioning and relationship satisfaction compared to WLC wives.
- No significant intervention effects were observed for husbands, and biological markers did not show significant changes.
Conclusions:
- Couple-based MBSR is a feasible and well-received intervention for older married couples with metabolic syndrome.
- Preliminary findings suggest MBSR may offer greater benefits for wives' physical and relational well-being than for husbands.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms behind these gender differences.
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