Anne Malaktaris1,2, Ariel J Lang1,2,3, Pollyanna Casmar1,2, Selena Baca4, Samantha Hurst3, Dilip V Jeste2,5,6, Barton W Palmer1,2,5. 1. Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA. 2. Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California, USA. 3. Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla California, USA. 4. Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, La Jolla California, USA. 5. Center for Healthy Aging/Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla California, USA. 6. Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla California, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Compassion meditation (CM) training has demonstrated potential in improving well-being and psychosocial functioning. However, most prior studies of CM training have focused on younger adults. The generalizability of the effectiveness of CM training with older adults requires further study. This pilot study was intended to inform future randomized controlled studies of CM training in older adults. METHODS: Participants included 24 older adults who attended a 10-week group CM training. Exploratory outcome measures were administered prior to, during, and after the intervention. Participants also completed logs of mood and meditation practice, and provided descriptive comments in response to open-ended questions administered at the end of treatment. RESULTS: High treatment completion rates (87.5%) and reported adherence (85.7% of assigned meditation) were observed. Descriptive feedback from participants indicated older adults are interested in and capable of learning and applying new concepts and skills in support of their well-being. Pre- to post-intervention changes were explored with a variety of self-report measures. Weekly journals suggested increased feelings of love, closeness, or trust, and decreased feelings of stress, nervousness, or being overwhelmed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide preliminary support for the feasibility of CM training in community-dwelling older adults, and suggest the need for future efficacy and effectiveness clinical trials. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: CM training offers potential benefits for improving well-being among older adults, and, as an example of a strengths-based approach, can be tailored to the specific needs of older adults.
OBJECTIVES: Compassion meditation (CM) training has demonstrated potential in improving well-being and psychosocial functioning. However, most prior studies of CM training have focused on younger adults. The generalizability of the effectiveness of CM training with older adults requires further study. This pilot study was intended to inform future randomized controlled studies of CM training in older adults. METHODS: Participants included 24 older adults who attended a 10-week group CM training. Exploratory outcome measures were administered prior to, during, and after the intervention. Participants also completed logs of mood and meditation practice, and provided descriptive comments in response to open-ended questions administered at the end of treatment. RESULTS: High treatment completion rates (87.5%) and reported adherence (85.7% of assigned meditation) were observed. Descriptive feedback from participants indicated older adults are interested in and capable of learning and applying new concepts and skills in support of their well-being. Pre- to post-intervention changes were explored with a variety of self-report measures. Weekly journals suggested increased feelings of love, closeness, or trust, and decreased feelings of stress, nervousness, or being overwhelmed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide preliminary support for the feasibility of CM training in community-dwelling older adults, and suggest the need for future efficacy and effectiveness clinical trials. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: CM training offers potential benefits for improving well-being among older adults, and, as an example of a strengths-based approach, can be tailored to the specific needs of older adults.
Authors: Dilip V Jeste; Barton W Palmer; Tanya T Nguyen; Ellen E Lee; Rebecca E Daly; Tsung-Chin Wu; Yi Tang; Xin Tu; Ryan Van Patten Journal: J Clin Psychiatry Date: 2020-11-10 Impact factor: 4.384