Development of a Mindfulness and Self-compassion (MASC) Stress Reduction Program for Caregivers of Persons With...

Caregivers of persons living with dementia experience high stress triggered by the behavioral symptoms of care-recipients. Current stress management interventions exist but are primarily focused on providing support or education targeting general caregiving stress. We need caregiver interventions that also address stress triggered by the behavioral symptoms of persons living with dementia. Here, we showcase the development of the Mindfulness and Self Compassionate Care program (MASC), a new program that integrates emotional regulation skills (mindfulness, compassion, and self-compassion), with practical strategies to manage behavioral symptoms in persons living with dementia.

In this mixed-methods study, we conducted 5 focus groups (N = 28) with a racially and socioeconomically diverse sample of stressed caregivers of persons living with dementia who endorse behavioral symptoms. We aimed to understand their needs, preferences, and perceptions of the proposed MASC skills. Twenty-four of these caregivers completed an optional quantitative survey. We used a hybrid inductive-deductive approach for qualitative analyses and descriptive statistics to analyze quantitative data.

Qualitative analyses showed high stress in caregivers stemming from their care-recipients behavioral symptoms. Caregivers reported interest in a program like MASC, liked the proposed skills, and provided recommendations to enhance the program's format and content. Quantitative analyses supported the need of the program and the interrelation between program mechanisms and outcomes.

Caregivers provided valuable information for adapting the program content and methodology. Current work includes an open pilot with exit interviews to refine the program with the goal of efficacy testing and implementation.