A novel mind-body podcast program for military and veteran caregivers

Abstract

Mind-body interventions reduce stress and improve overall health and functioning among caregivers but are not readily available in the community. We adapted an existing 8-week mind-body program into a 28-day daily podcast series that included psychoeducation about the stress response, relaxation-response training, and self-compassion practices. The intervention was piloted among military caregivers in an open trial. Participants were N = 55 caregivers (100% cisgender women, M(SD)age = 42.3 (9.1)) who were assessed at baseline, midpoint (on the fourteenth day of the program), and endpoint (upon completion of the 28-day program) for symptoms of perceived stress (primary outcome), depression, anxiety, somatic complaints, and functioning. From baseline to endpoint, there were significant decreases in perceived stress (coefficient = −1.77, SE = 0.47, p < 0.001, d = 0.5), depressive symptoms (coefficient = −1.33 SE = 0.39, p < 0.001, d = 0.53), and somatic complaints (coefficient = −4.01, SE = 1.66, p = 0.02, d = 0.36); and increase in ability to perform social roles (coefficient = 0.84, SE = 0.24, p < 0.001, d = 0.46). A mind-body daily podcast program is feasible and may be effective in reducing perceived stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety among military and veteran caregivers. Public Significance Statements A mind-body program can be delivered through a daily podcast over 28 days. A mind-body program delivered through a daily podcast may reduce perceived stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety among caregivers of service members and veterans.