Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Perceived Stress and Aging Anxiety among Caregivers of Older Adults in Isfahan
Keywords:
Mindfulness, Based Cognitive Therapy, Perceived Stress, Aging Anxiety, Caregivers, Older AdultsAbstract
This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in reducing perceived stress and aging anxiety among caregivers working in nursing homes in Isfahan. This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of caregivers working in nursing homes in Isfahan in 2026. Thirty-two eligible caregivers were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group, with 16 participants in each group. The experimental group received eight weekly 90-minute sessions of MBCT, whereas the control group received no psychological intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Anxiety about Aging Scale (AAS). Multivariate analysis of covariance and univariate analysis of covariance were conducted using SPSS version 26. Multivariate analysis indicated a significant group effect on the combined dependent variables of perceived stress and aging anxiety (F=8.603, p=0.001, partial η²=0.389). After controlling for pretest scores, MBCT had a significant effect on perceived stress (F=10.546, p=0.003, partial η²=0.274) and aging anxiety (F=11.570, p=0.002, partial η²=0.292). The multivariate effect of the intervention on the dimensions of perceived stress was also significant (F=5.589, p=0.009, partial η²=0.293), with significant effects observed for both positive and negative perceptions of stress. Moreover, the multivariate group effect on the dimensions of aging anxiety was significant (F=4.980, p=0.005, partial η²=0.464). However, univariate analyses showed that among the four dimensions of aging anxiety, only fear of loss demonstrated a significant intervention effect (p<0.001, partial η²=0.423), whereas fear of older people, psychological concerns, and concerns about physical appearance were not individually significant. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy appears to be an effective psychological intervention for reducing perceived stress and overall aging anxiety among caregivers of older adults. Its particularly notable effect on perceived stress dimensions and fear of loss supports its potential incorporation into psychological support programs designed for professional caregivers in nursing-home settings.
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