Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and distress in a community-based sample.

Publication Type	Academic Article
Authors	Evans S, Ferrando S, Carr C, Haglin D
Journal	Clin Psychol Psychother
Volume	18
Issue	6
Pagination	553-8
Date Published	09/28/2010
ISSN	1099-0879
Keywords	Adaptation, Psychological, Meditation, Stress, Psychological, Yoga
Abstract	BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have found Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) to be useful for a wide range of problems including anxiety, pain and coping with a medical illness. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week MBSR programme in relieving distress in a community based sample. METHODS: Subjects (n = 14) were participants in the MBSR programme at a major academic medical center and completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) prior to starting the class and at the end of the 8-week course. Means and standard deviations were computed for the pre-and post-POMS total and subscale measures and the MAAS. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was conducted. RESULTS: There were significant reductions on multiple dimensions of distress on the POMS as well as a significant increase in mindful awareness as measured by the MAAS. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that MBSR appears to be associated with a reduction of distress and increased awareness of everyday life experiences in a sample of residents living in a large urban community.
DOI	10.1002/cpp.727
PubMed ID	20878904