Mindfulness-Based Versus Health Promotion Group Therapy After Traumatic Brain Injury.

Abstract

The current pre- and posttest intervention study is designed for individuals with chronic symptoms and stress associated with mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). The researchers' intent was to evaluate whether an 8-week mindfulness-based group therapy compared to health promotion active control group therapy reduces chronic stress, TBI symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Significant mean reductions in chronic stress and TBI depressive and general symptoms for individuals in the mindfulness group compared to the active control group were present, according to paired t test analyses. Further, while controlling for baseline scores, the mindfulness-based intervention group change score was greater compared to the control group using regression analyses. Results suggest that mindfulness-based group intervention for individuals with chronic difficulties after TBI is feasible and effective. Further study of this cost-effective and self-management approach to stress and symptom management is warranted and has the potential to be a broad-based intervention for early therapy after injury. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(1), 26-33.].