Mindfulness based stress reduction in couples facing Multiple Sclerosis: Impact on self reported anxiety and uncertainty
Item
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Title
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Mindfulness based stress reduction in couples facing Multiple Sclerosis: Impact on self reported anxiety and uncertainty
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Identifier
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d_2009_2013:98ed0e70d10f:10173
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identifier
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10324
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Creator
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Hankin, Vered Miriam,
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Contributor
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Arietta Slade
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Date
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2009
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Clinical psychology | Chronic Illness | Couples | Meditation | MIndfulness | Multiple Sclerosis | Yoga
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Abstract
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Nearly 2.5 million people in the world have MS (The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, 2007). MS is an auto-immune disorder, involving the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms vary and can come and go, appear in any combination, and may be mild, moderate, or severe. The prognosis and time-course of the disease is often unclear. The disease can create a great deal of uncertainty, particularly in newly diagnosed patients (Noseworthy et al., 2000). Approximately 50% of patients and partners showed significant levels of either anxiety or distress (Pakenham, 1998). Additionally, patients who reported their spouses to be more encouraging have been shown to be significantly less depressed (Schwartz & Kraft, 1996). Thus, couples "react to disease as a unit" (Pakenham, 1998, p. 269). Rolland (1985) concurs that "the well spouse faces many of the same dilemmas" (p. 240).;Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), an eight-week course incorporating yoga, meditation, and mind-body awareness, is a skills training technique which has successfully combated many physical and emotional ailments. This study evaluated the effect of MBSR on the uncertainty and resulting anxiety of each partner, as well as on the relationship. Twenty-five couples were recruited into two MBSR groups, with one couple partner diagnosed with Relapse-Remitting MS. Quantitative self report measures assess physical symptoms, anxiety, relationship satisfaction, perceived illness uncertainty, and intolerance of uncertainty. Data was collected before and immediately after the intervention. Results indicated a positive change in patient and partners levels of anxiety and uncertainty as well as in their relationship satisfaction. Results from this study contribute to the field of available interventions for couples dealing with chronic illness, and specifically MS. Additionally, it illuminates an important and yet undiscovered element of mindfulness meditation as a tool in coping with family illness.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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2009_2013.csv
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Psychology
