Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Group Support Decrease Stress in Adolescents with Cardiac Diagnoses: A Randomized Two-Group Study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program versus a video online support group in reducing psychosocial distress among adolescents with cardiac diagnoses.
Results Summary
Both MBSR and the video support group significantly reduced illness-related stress, with MBSR participants additionally benefiting from learning specific stress-management techniques. Higher baseline anxiety/depression predicted greater improvement, and both groups valued social support.
Population
Adolescents (mean age 14.8 years, 63% female) with congenital heart disease, cardiac devices, or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
6 sessions
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program | decrease | anxiety | adolescents with cardiac diagnoses | - | significant reduction | #1 |
MBSR program | decrease | illness-related stress | adolescents with cardiac diagnoses | - | significantly decreased | #2 |
video online support group | decrease | illness-related stress | adolescents with cardiac diagnoses | - | significantly decreased | #3 |
- | decrease | depression | adolescents with cardiac diagnoses | - | predicted lower levels | #4 |
- | decrease | anxiety/depression scores | adolescents with cardiac diagnoses | - | predicted improved | #5 |
MBSR intervention | decrease | distress | adolescents with cardiac diagnoses | - | effective in reducing | #6 |
video support group | decrease | distress | adolescents with cardiac diagnoses | - | effective in reducing | #7 |
Psychosocial interventions with stress management techniques and/or group support | decrease | distress | adolescents with cardiac diagnoses | - | can reduce | #8 |
Adolescents with cardiac diagnoses face unique challenges that can cause psychosocial distress. This study compares a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program to a video online support group for adolescents with cardiac diagnoses. MBSR is a structured psycho-educational program which includes yoga, meditation, cognitive restructuring, and group support. A published feasibility study by our group showed significant reduction in anxiety following this intervention. Participants were randomized to MBSR or video online support group, and completed measures of anxiety, depression, illness-related stress, and coping pre- and post-6-session interventions. Qualitative data were obtained from post-intervention interviews. A total of 46 teens participated (mean 14.8 years; 63% female). Participants had congenital heart disease and/or cardiac device (52%), or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (48%). Illness-related stress significantly decreased in both groups. Greater use of coping skills predicted lower levels of depression in both groups post-study completion. Higher baseline anxiety/depression scores predicted improved anxiety/depression scores in both groups. Each group reported the benefits of social support. The MBSR group further expressed benefits of learning specific techniques, strategies, and skills that they applied in real-life situations to relieve distress. Both the MBSR intervention and video support group were effective in reducing distress in this sample. Qualitative data elucidated the added benefits of using MBSR techniques to manage stress and symptoms. The video group format is useful for teens that cannot meet in person but can benefit from group support. Psychosocial interventions with stress management techniques and/or group support can reduce distress in adolescents with cardiac diagnoses.