Marc B Schure1, Tracy L Simpson2,3, Michelle Martinez4, George Sayre5,6, David J Kearney4,7. 1. 1 Health and Human Development, Montana State University , Bozeman, MT. 2. 2 Center of Excellence in Substance Abuse Treatment and Education , VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA. 3. 3 Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine , Seattle, WA. 4. 4 VA Puget Sound Health Care System , Seattle, WA. 5. 5 Health Services Research and Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System , Seattle, WA. 6. 6 Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health , Seattle, WA. 7. 7 Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine , Seattle, WA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: U.S. veterans are at increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prior studies suggest a benefit of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for PTSD, but the mechanisms through which MBSR reduces PTSD symptoms and improves functional status have received limited empirical inquiry. This study used a qualitative approach to better understand how training in mindfulness affects veterans with PTSD. DESIGN: Qualitative study using semistructured in-depth interviews following participation in an MBSR intervention. SETTING: Outpatient. INTERVENTION: Eight-week MBSR program. OUTCOME MEASURE: Participants' narratives of their experiences from participation in the program. RESULTS: Interviews were completed with 15 veterans. Analyses identified six core aspects of participants' MBSR experience related to PTSD: dealing with the past, staying in the present, acceptance of adversity, breathing through stress, relaxation, and openness to self and others. Participants described specific aspects of a holistic mindfulness experience, which appeared to activate introspection and curiosity about their PTSD symptoms. Veterans with PTSD described a number of pathways by which mindfulness practice may help to ameliorate PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: MBSR holds promise as a nontrauma-focused approach to help veterans with PTSD.
OBJECTIVE: U.S. veterans are at increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prior studies suggest a benefit of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for PTSD, but the mechanisms through which MBSR reduces PTSD symptoms and improves functional status have received limited empirical inquiry. This study used a qualitative approach to better understand how training in mindfulness affects veterans with PTSD. DESIGN: Qualitative study using semistructured in-depth interviews following participation in an MBSR intervention. SETTING:Outpatient. INTERVENTION: Eight-week MBSR program. OUTCOME MEASURE: Participants' narratives of their experiences from participation in the program. RESULTS: Interviews were completed with 15 veterans. Analyses identified six core aspects of participants' MBSR experience related to PTSD: dealing with the past, staying in the present, acceptance of adversity, breathing through stress, relaxation, and openness to self and others. Participants described specific aspects of a holistic mindfulness experience, which appeared to activate introspection and curiosity about their PTSD symptoms. Veterans with PTSD described a number of pathways by which mindfulness practice may help to ameliorate PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: MBSR holds promise as a nontrauma-focused approach to help veterans with PTSD.
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