Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Caregivers

This study is designed to investigate the effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on cognitive control and flexibility, psychological well-being, and self-compassion among primary caregivers of individuals with chronic mental illnesses. Caregivers of individuals with chronic mental health conditions are exposed to prolonged psychological, emotional, and cognitive demands, which may negatively affect their mental well-being and coping capacities. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach using an exploratory sequential design in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of caregivers' needs and experiences and to evaluate the potential impact of the intervention. Qualitative findings are intended to inform the development and structuring of the MBSR program, while the quantitative phase is designed to examine changes in key psychological outcomes following the intervention. The study aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting mindfulness-based interventions for caregiver populations and to inform future mental health service practices.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on cognitive control and flexibility, psychological well-being, and self-compassion in primary caregivers of individuals with chronic mental illnesses receiving services from a community mental health center. Caregiving for individuals with chronic mental health conditions often involves sustained emotional, cognitive, and social demands, which may increase vulnerability to psychological distress and reduce adaptive coping capacities. The study is designed as a mixed-methods research utilizing an exploratory sequential design, integrating qualitative and quantitative research components. In the initial qualitative phase, in-depth, face-to-face interviews are planned to explore caregivers' experiences, perceived challenges, coping strategies, and expectations related to caregiving and psychological support. The qualitative findings are intended to guide the development, adaptation, and content refinement of the MBSR intervention in accordance with the specific needs of the caregiver population. Following the qualitative phase, the quantitative component of the study is designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial. Eligible caregivers are planned to be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving the MBSR program or a control group receiving routine services. The MBSR program is structured to include mindfulness practices, psychoeducation, and experiential exercises aimed at enhancing present-moment awareness, emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and self-compassion. Standardized self-report instruments are planned to be used to assess cognitive control and flexibility, psychological well-being, and self-compassion at predefined assessment points. The quantitative findings are intended to complement the qualitative results and to provide a systematic evaluation of the potential effects of the MBSR program. The integration of qualitative and quantitative findings is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intervention process and outcomes, supporting the development of evidence-based psychosocial interventions for caregivers of individuals with chronic mental illnesses within community mental health service settings.