A novel mind-body podcast program for military and veteran caregivers
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Bui, E., Blackburn, A. M., Brenner, L. H., Laifer, L. M., Park, E., Denninger, J. W., …Sylvia, L. (2023). A novel mind-body podcast program for military and veteran caregivers. International Journal of Mental Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207411.2023.2250938
Abstract Created by REACH:
Providing care for a Service member or Veteran (SM/V) family member can be stressful and overwhelming. Resilient Caregiver is a 15- to 20-minute daily mindfulness podcast, focused on stress reduction, for caregivers of SM/Vs. This study aimed to assess Resilient Caregiver’s feasibility, acceptability, and initial effectiveness with a sample of 55 caregivers for SM/Vs. Participants reported their perceived stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms, medical symptoms, and contentment with and ability to participate in social roles at 3 time points: before the 28-day program, halfway through, and immediately after. Program satisfaction was assessed after the program. The findings support the feasibility, acceptability, and initial effectiveness of the Resilient Caregiver podcast program.
Focus:
Programming
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Civilian
Spouse of service member or veteran
Other
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Authors:
Bui, Eric, Blackburn, Allyson M., Brenner, Lauren H., Laifer, Lauren M., Park, Elyse, Denninger, John W., Spencer, Thomas J., Fricchione, Gregory, Sylvia, Louisa
Abstract:
Mind-body interventions reduce stress and improve overall health and functioning among caregivers but are not readily available in the community. We adapted an existing 8-week mind-body program into a 28-day daily podcast series that included psychoeducation about the stress response, relaxation-response training, and self-compassion practices. The intervention was piloted among military caregivers in an open trial. Participants were N = 55 caregivers (100% cisgender women, M(SD)age = 42.3 (9.1)) who were assessed at baseline, midpoint (on the fourteenth day of the program), and endpoint (upon completion of the 28-day program) for symptoms of perceived stress (primary outcome), depression, anxiety, somatic complaints, and functioning. From baseline to endpoint, there were significant decreases in perceived stress (coefficient =
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
caregivers, military, mindfulness, perceived stress, Podcast
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: