Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Retreat on Distress and Well-Being in Bereaved Parents

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a grief-focused mindfulness-based retreat on psychological distress (trauma, anxiety, and depression) and well-being (mindfulness and self-compassion) in bereaved parents. Method: A quasi-experimental design with two nonequivalent groups (intervention, comparison) and three observations was used. Results: Mixed-model repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant reductions in distress at posttest in the intervention group, with significant group differences on four of the seven scales. While reductions were maintained at follow-up, group differences were only significant for one trauma subscale. The intervention group showed significant increases in two of the four mindfulness facets (describe and act with awareness) and self-compassion at posttest, although group differences were not significant and gains were not maintained at follow-up. A third mindfulness facet, nonjudge, increased significantly at follow-up, with significant group differences. Discussion: This approach shows promise for reducing some areas of distress and improving the nonjudging mindfulness facet in bereaved parents.