Effects of mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) on stress, depression and mindfulness among Type 2 Diabetics - A randomized pilot study

Diabetes mellitus is the chronic metabolic disorders that puts individual at greater risk of developing psychological problems such as stress, depression, disrupted family and personal relationship even suicide. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a meditation therapy mainly designed to alleviate suffering associated with psychological problems. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction on stress, depression and mindfulness among type 2 diabetics residing at selected village, Bengaluru using evaluative approach with a true experimental pre-test post-test control group design. The study population included 40 type 2 diabetics selected by simple random sampling method and were randomly assigned into the control and experimental group with 20 in each group. Data was collected using demographic proforma, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MASS). The participants in the experimental group received 8 weeks MBSR therapy, whereas control group did not receive intervention. The study results revealed that MBSR was an effective intervention in reducing stress (p < 0.000), depression (p < 0.000), and increasing mindfulness awareness (p < 0.000) among participants in the experimental group.