Mindfulness-based Group Therapy Research Articles

Qualitative findings from a randomized trial of mindfulness-based and cognitive-behavioral group therapy for opioid-treated chronic low back pain.

This article reports qualitative outcomes from a randomized controlled trial comparing eight weeks of cognitive-behavioral group therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP) and mindfulness-based group therapy (MBT) in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Approximately 10 months post-treatment, 108 participants completed structured qualitative interviews to express how the study treatment affected their life or health. Responses were qualitatively analyzed to generate a set of themes and subthemes, with between-groups comparisons to evaluate differences (if any) in treatment-response between MBT and CBT-CP. A majority of participants (n = 88, 81.5%) across both groups reflected positively on the study intervention and outcomes, identifying benefits in pain management (31.5%), meditation and mindfulness skills (25.9%), and relaxation skills (22.2%). Perceived benefits varied widely, suggesting no one intervention may be ideal for CLBP. Future research should examine tailoring interventions to target diverse clinical presentations to achieve optimal outcomes.

The combination of oxytocin and mindfulness-based group therapy for empathy and negative symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders – A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study

Treatment options for social cognition and negative symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) remain limited. Oxytocin could be a promising augmentation approach, but the social context influences the effect in humans. This pilot study hypothesized that oxytocin in a positive social setting through mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT) would positively affect empathy and negative symptoms as well as affect and stress in an exploratory approach in SSD. An experimental, randomized, double-blinded (participants, psychotherapists), placebo-controlled pilot study with 41 individuals with SSD was conducted at the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Oxytocin or placebo (24 I.U.) was administered intranasally 45 min before two sessions of MBGT each. A 2 × 2 mixed model ANCOVA design was calculated to assess empathy by the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and the Multifaceted Empathy Test and negative symptoms by the Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms. No benefit of oxytocin compared to placebo on empathy was observed, but significant between-group differences favoring oxytocin were found regarding the negative symptoms Diminished emotional range and Avolition. Negative affect and stress were significantly reduced compared to baseline. Mindfulness increased in both groups. Results indicated protocol adherence and retention rate of 91.1%, a drop-out rate of 8.9 % and a completion of 96 % of all sessions by the participants. No severe adverse events or side effects were reported. Our findings indicate proof-of-concept and suggest a potential role of oxytocin on negative symptoms and related variables in SSD in combination with MBGT. Future research should examine the stability of these effects with larger sample sizes.

단기 마음챙김기반 집단상담이 사회불안과 자존감에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term mindfulness-based group therapy (SMGT) on social anxiety and self-esteem in adults. The study was conducted in Busan, South Korea, and recruited 16 adults through the counseling center at OO University. The participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group participated in 5 weeks of weekly 2-hour SMGT. The control group did not receive any treatment. To measure the effects of the intervention, the participants completed pre-tests, post-tests, and follow-up tests at baseline, immediately
 after the intervention, and 5 weeks after the intervention. The Mindfullness Scale(MS) was used to measure mindfulness, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) was used to measure self-esteem, the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) was used to measure social anxiety, and the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNE) was used to measure the fear of negative evaluation. The results showed that SMGT was associated with significant improvements in mindfulness and self-esteem. However, there was no significant improvement in social anxiety. The study's implications were discussed at the end.

Effects of physician therapy sessions on depression – Evidence-based practices

This research study investigates the impact of physician therapy sessions on individuals suffering from depression. It examines the effectiveness of therapy as an evidence-based practice in the management of depression. Three distinct research papers were reviewed to investigate the effects of therapy sessions on physician burnout. Each study employed various methodologies, including surveys, interventions and qualitative analyses. Gender differences were also examined as a potential variable. Paper one concluded that despite being valuable support mechanisms, debriefing sessions did not significantly reduce burnout syndrome. In contrast, Paper Two and Paper Three reported a significant decrease in burnout following the interventions. All three papers found that gender was the only variable that changed. While the scores of the Maslach Burnout Inventory did not change in Paper One, the debriefing sessions were appreciated and accepted by the participants. Paper Three provided in-depth information, including examples, to enhance comprehension. Two out of the three papers concluded that implementing therapy sessions, such as counselling, cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, group therapy, and mindfulness workshops, for physicians can prevent burnout syndrome. The third paper showed no significant change, suggesting that exclusive therapy sessions may need to be combined with other solutions, such as mindfulness practices or reduced working hours. These findings have the potential to inform practice changes, including updated clinical guidelines, new term protocols, enhanced screening and prevention strategies, quality improvement initiatives, training and education feedback, adaptation, monitoring, and evaluation. Overcoming barriers such as knowledge, skills, resources, motivation, attitude, and organisational culture is crucial for the successful implementation of evidence-based practices (EBP). Further, international research is needed to identify local limitations and advantages. This topic offers valuable insights into EBP and its role in improving patient outcomes, with the ultimate goal of reducing physician burnout and enhancing the quality of patient care.

Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy for Chronic Pain Management in Older Adults

ABSTRACT Objectives There were two quality improvement goals for this project: (1) to evaluate the outcomes of an 8-week geriatric-focused mindfulness-based group therapy program for chronic pain management called “Mindfulness-based Chronic Pain Care” offered at a senior community center affiliated with a geriatric primary care clinic, and (2) to obtain feedback from participants to make relevant modifications for future groups. Methods The program consisted of eight 150-minute weekly sessions. Thirteen community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and older participated in the program. The study utilized a non-randomized control-group pretest-posttest design. Participants completed pre- and post-program evaluations measuring pain and related psychosocial outcomes and were also asked to evaluate the importance of the group. Intervention and control groups were compared by t-test, chi-square likelihood ratio, Fischer’s exact test, and multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measures. Results There were statistically significant improvements in three areas: 1) increased activity level, 2) increased “pain willingness,” and 3) decreased generalized anxiety symptoms. Qualitative analysis highlighted how this intervention was important to participants. Conclusions The results of this pilot program indicate promising outcomes for older adults suffering from chronic pain. Clinical Implications The Mindfulness-based Chronic Pain Care program was a practical, feasible, and acceptable approach for pain management among program participants.

(020) Implementing a Virtual Mindfulness-based Group Therapy to Improve Male Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is almost always multi-factorial. Simultaneous performance anxiety and psychogenic inhibition can impair erectile function even when underlying organic aetiologies are present. Sex therapy should be considered first-line treatment for ED. Mindfulness is a technique to focus on being aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Mindfulness-based therapy programs have been successful at improving female sexual dysfunction and prostate cancer survivors quality of life (QOL). Objective To design and evaluate the feasibility of a virtual, mindfulness-based group therapy (vMBGT) program for patients experiencing mild-to-moderate ED. We secondarily assess relationship satisfaction, QOL, and changes in erectile function after intervention. Methods A mixed-methods approach was taken for this feasibility pilot study. A total of 18 participants (mean age: 42; range 22-69 years) with ED were recruited to participate in a 4-week virtual mindfulness-based group therapy program. Three groups were led by trained facilitators on a weekly basis via Webex platform and ran 1.5-2 hours in length, followed by daily home-practice and sex education between sessions. Participants completed questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Functioning, Erection hardness scale, Relationship Assessment Scale, Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire) as a baseline and 3 months after treatment. Qualitative exit interviews and program feedback was requested from all participants. Results The dropout rate for this study was 11%. Two of the eighteen men missed 2 of the 4 sessions; one participant dropped out and one had unanticipated work commitments. There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean IIEF scores from baseline 41 to 49 after vMBGT intervention (p < 0.05). There was a clinically significant improvement in SHIM score by 4 points. There was an improvement in EHS at 3 months compared to baseline (p=0.08) Overall, feedback was positive, and all participants responded that they would recommend this program to others. Some participants felt that the material could be lengthened to 6 weeks and/or that an in-person setting would have been more interactive, whereas others appreciate the convenience and comfort of the virtual platform. Conclusions This is the first published vMGBT program for patients experiencing mild to moderate ED. This program is feasible, the content was well received, and patients had improvement in their erectile function and QOL. Our pilot study has provoked a change to the treatments we can offer patients with ED and we have modified the program based on feedback. Further studies are needed to compare this to medical management and other psychotherapy interventions. Disclosure No

36. The Effect of Oxytocin in Combination With a Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy on Negative Symptoms, Empathy, Affect and Stress in Individuals With a Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder – Results: of a Pilot Study

36. The Effect of Oxytocin in Combination With a Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy on Negative Symptoms, Empathy, Affect and Stress in Individuals With a Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder – Results: of a Pilot Study

Feasibility and efficacy of an acceptance and mindfulness-based group intervention for young people with early psychosis (Feel-Good group).

BackgroundOver the last decade, researchers have sought for alternative interventions that have better treatment effects than Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) when treating psychotic symptoms. Mindfulness-based interventions have been a proposed alternative to CBT, yet research regarding its feasibility, acceptance and effectiveness is lacking when treating individuals with early psychosis in inpatient settings.ObjectiveBefore conducting a large-scale randomized-controlled trial (RCT), this pilot study evaluated the feasibility and the potential efficacy of a mindfulness-based inpatient group intervention that targets emotion regulation in patients with early psychosis, and thus indirectly improving psychotic symptoms.MethodsA pre–post study was performed. Thirty-six patients with early psychosis treated at the specialized inpatient treatment “Frühinterventions- und Therapiezentrum; FRITZ” (early intervention and therapy center) received eight group therapy sessions. Assessments were performed at baseline, after 8 weeks post treatment and at follow-up after 16 weeks.ResultsRates of patients who participated in the study suggests that a mindfulness-based group therapy is highly accepted and feasible for patients with early psychosis being treated in an inpatient ward. Friedman analyses revealed significant changes in the primary outcomes of emotional goal attainment (Goal 1: W = 0.79; Goal 2: W = 0.71) and psychotic symptoms (PANSS-T: W = 0.74). Significant, albeit small, effect sizes were found in patients’ self-perception of emotion regulation skills (ERSQ: W = 0.23).DiscussionWe found favorable findings regarding the feasibility and acceptance of the Feel-Good mindfulness-based intervention. Results of the study provide a basis for an estimation of an adequate sample size for a fully powered RCT that needs to be conducted to test whether Feel-Good is effective in the inpatient treatment of psychotic symptoms for individuals with early psychosis.Clinical trial registration[https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04592042], identifier [NCT04592042].

Mindfulness-based cognitive group therapy for treatment-refractory anxiety disorder: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study aimed: (a) to examine the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for patients with a treatment-refractory anxiety disorders compared to Relapse Prevention-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-RP); and (b) to explore candidate mediating variables. MethodsWe conducted a pragmatic randomized controlled trial comparing MBCT with CBT-RP in a group format for 136 outpatients with treatment-refractory DSM-IV defined anxiety disorder, who insufficiently responded to first-line psychological treatment. ResultsAt post-treatment, the MBCT group showed a significantly larger decrease in self-reported anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), avoidance (Fear Questionnaire), difficulties in emotion regulation (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Strategies), and worry (Penn State Worry Questionnaire), as well as a significantly larger increase in mindfulness skills (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire). After a 6-month follow-up treatment gains were somewhat diminished. Effects of MBCT on anxiety at post-treatment did not prove to be mediated by mindfulness skills, difficulties in emotion regulation strategies, worry, or rumination (Rumination on Sadness Scales) at mid-treatment. ConclusionsMBCT seems to be a promising intervention in routine clinical care for persons with an anxiety disorder who insufficiently responded to first-line psychological treatment. Future research in larger samples assessing long-term effects and using intensive longitudinal designs to identify possible working mechanisms is called for.

The effect of intranasal oxytocin application and mindfulness-based group therapy for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders – A study protocol

IntroductionResearch indicates improvements in negative symptoms and empathy for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) after mindfulness-based interventions (MBI). Current treatment approaches for SSD remain limited regarding their effectiveness on negative symptoms and sociocognitive deficits. After oxytocin (OXT) administration, especially in a positive social context, an increase in empathy could be shown. The effect of mindfulness in combination with OXT has not yet been examined.ObjectivesThis study investigates the additional effect of OXT administration combined with MBI on empathy and negative symptoms in patients with SSD.MethodsAn experimental, randomised, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled study is proposed. Based on power calculations, 140 participants with SSD will be recruited at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. A dose of intranasal oxytocin with 24 I.U. or placebo will be administered 45 minutes before each session. Following each administration, a total of four MBI interventions will take place for two weeks. Empathy as primary outcome will be measured using validated psychometric questionnaires. Outcomes, including negative symptoms and OXT plasma levels, will be measured at baseline and post-intervention. A 2x2 mixed-model ANCOVA design with time as within- and group as between-subject factor will be calculated to assess empathy and negative symptom changes.ResultsThe study hypothesises that applying intranasal oxytocin in combination with MBI will increase empathy and reduce negative symptoms in patients with SSD.ConclusionsFindings could provide insight into enhancing therapies like MBI by utilising OXT as a possible supplementary treatment option. Findings could therefore pave the way for a personalised psychiatric medicine treatment for individuals with SSD.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Using mindfulness-based stress reduction group therapy to reduce perceived stress of vulnerable women in south of Iran

ABSTRACT Provision of educational and health services to vulnerable women in drop-in centers can reduce their traumas. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) group therapy is a psychological intervention to reduce perceived stress these women. This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of MBSR group therapy in the perceived stress of 63 vulnerable women who referred to two drop-in centers in southeastern Iran. The participants were assigned into the intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 33) groups. The intervention group members were required to attend the MBSR intervention held in eight 90-minute sessions. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was administered to collect data before and one month after the MBSR. Based on the findings, the pre-test scores of perceived stress were not significantly different between the intervention (38.16 ± 6.04) and control (39.06 ± 5.30) groups (t = −0.62, p = 0.53). However, the perceived stress scores reduced significantly in the intervention group (30.20 ± 2.89) than the control group scores (37.96 ± 4.18) in the posttest (t = −8.35, P = 0.001). Given the significant reduction of perceived stress in participants after attending the MBSR group therapy, expert counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists are recommended to conduct this therapy to reduce perceived stress in vulnerable women.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention Group Therapy and Treatment as Usual on Shame and Self-criticism in Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder: A Comparative Investigation

Background: Shame and self-criticism are two variables that refer to negative self-assessment. Such negative self-assessments cause unpleasant emotions, which are among the known factors involved in drug abuse and relapse. Objectives: This study aimed to compare mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) group therapy and treatment as usual (TAU) in terms of their effect on shame and self-criticism in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). Patients and Methods: The current quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest and follow-up design was conducted on 36 patients who met the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) criteria for OUD. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received a combination of MBRP group therapy and TAU, and the other group was treated only by TAU. The participants filled out the Other as Shamer Scale and the Forms of Self-Criticizing/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale in the pretest, posttest, and follow-up stages. The data were statistically analyzed using a mixed-design analysis of variance. Results: The results indicated that the mean score of shame significantly decreased in the follow-up compared to pretest and posttest. Moreover, the combination of MBRP group therapy and TAU was significantly more effective than TAU alone. The posttest and follow-up mean scores of the participants who received a combination of MBRP group therapy and TAU were significantly lower than those treated only with TAU. Conclusions: The study results showed that MBRP could be considered an effective therapeutic approach for reducing shame and self-criticism in individuals with OUD.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Group Therapy in Emotion Regulation Among Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Background: In addition to physical issues, multiple sclerosis (MS) patients experience many psychological problems that make their living conditions difficult. Objectives: This study aimed at examining the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) group therapy in emotion regulation among MS patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental study followed a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included all patients with MS who were referred to Sistan and Baluchestan MS Community from December 2017 to February 2018. Among these people, 30 patients were selected as the sample using the convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to a control group and an experimental group (each including 15 patients). Eight 60-minute sessions of MBSR therapy were conducted on the experimental group. A post-test was carried out after completing all these sessions, and a follow-up was performed a month later. The Self-Regulation Inventory developed by Ibanez et al. was used as the data collection tool. The analysis of covariance was used to analyze the obtained data. Results: The results showed that MBSR group therapy was effective in improving emotion regulation in patients with MS in the post-test and follow-up (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Authorities are suggested employing MBSR group therapy to boost emotion regulation among patients with chronic diseases.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Group Therapy (MBGT) on Cognitive Emotion Regulation (CER) in Female Adolescents

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Group Therapy (MBGT) on Cognitive Emotion Regulation (CER) in Female Adolescents

The Effect of Mindfulness-based Group Therapy on Aggression and Resilience of Suburban Children in Mashhad

Introduction: Given the effect of low socio-economic status of marginalized residents on children's behavioral and emotional problems, it is important to take measures to strengthen resilience and reduce aggression in children. This paper aims to determine the effect of mindfulness-based group therapy on resilience and aggression of children in the suburbs of Mashhad. Method: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 60 elementary school students aged 8-12 years referred to the social worker and psychology clinic in Sayyedi district of Mashhad in 2019-2020. They were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The intervention group received mindfulness-based group therapy using Kabat-Zinn's (2003) approach over 8 sessions of 90 min while the control group was placed on a waiting list. Data collection tools included the Social-Emotional Assets and Resilience Scale (SEARS) as well as the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (AGQ). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 22 software and MANCOVA test. Results: The results showed that mindfulness-based group therapy could significantly improve resilience and reduce aggression in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Mindfulness-based group therapy can be effective in mitigating aggression and enhancing resilience of children in the suburbs of Mashhad.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy in Improving Parent and Peer Attachment in Female Adolescents

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy in Improving Parent and Peer Attachment in Female Adolescents

Mindfulness-based group therapy for inpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders – feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of a rater-blinded randomized controlled trial

IntroductionThe therapeutic effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) has been shown for various mental disorders. However, for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD), only a few trials have been conducted, mostly in outpatient settings.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a four-week mindfulness-based group therapy (MBGT) for in-patients with SSD.MethodsA pre-registered randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted at the in-patient ward for SSD. All measures were employed at baseline, post-intervention (4-weeks), and follow-up (12-weeks). The primary outcome was ‘mindfulness’. Secondary outcomes were rater-blinded positive- and negative symptoms, depression, social functioning, as well as self-rated mindfulness, depression, anxiety, psychological flexibility, quality of life, and medication regime.ResultsN=40 participants were randomized into either four-week treatment-as-usual (TAU; n=19) or MBGT+TAU (n = 21). Protocol adherence was 95.2%, and the retention rate to treatments was 95%. ANCOVA analysis revealed significant improvements in the MBGT+TAU compared to TAU for the primary outcome and negative symptoms. Exploratory analyses showed medium-to-large intervention effects on secondary outcomes mindfulness, positive, negative, and depressive symptoms, psychological flexibility, quality of life, and social functioning for MBGT+TAU and small-to-moderate changes on positive symptoms and social functioning for TAU. No serious adverse effects were reported.ConclusionsThis study supports the feasibility and acceptability of MBGT for in-patients with SSD, including high protocol adherence and retention rates. A proof of concept of the MBIs and corresponding improvements on various clinical and process parameters warrant a fully powered RCT to determine effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and longitudinal outcomes of MBGT for SSD.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Group Therapy on Perceived Stress, Emotional Cognitive Regulation, and Self-care Behaviors in Patients With Hypertension

Aims: Patients with high blood pressure usually experience high levels of stress that affect their emotion regulation and self-care behaviors. The current study aimed to examine the cognitive-minded group therapy on perceived stress, emotional, cognitive regulation, and self-care behaviors in patients with hypertension. Methods &amp; Materials: The study has a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, follow-up, and a control group. The study population was all people with hypertension referred to medical centers in Kish Island, Iran, in 2010 (March to June). The research sample consisted of 32 qualified candidates who were selected using the purposive sampling method. Then they were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Perceived stress, emotional and cognitive regulation, and self-care questionnaires of patients with hypertension were used to collect information in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages. The experimental group underwent mindfulness-based group therapy, but the control group did not receive any intervention. The obtained data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance in SPSS v. 22. The significance level of the tests was considered 0.05. Findings: The results showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the mean scores of positive stress (P=0.001), negative stress (P=0.001), positive emotion (P=0.001), negative emotion (P=0.001), medication regimen (P=0.003), diet (P=0.011), and disease management (P=0.026) in the post-test and follow-up. But there was no significant difference between the mean scores of food labels (P=0.195). Conclusion: The effectiveness of mindfulness-based group therapy on reducing stress and negative emotion and improving self-care of patients with hypertension suggests that in addition to the physical components of chronic diseases, the psychological components of patients be considered to prevent recurrence diseases and increase adherence to treatment in them.

Preliminary Development of a Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy to Expand Couples' Sexual Intimacy after Prostate Cancer: A Mixed Methods Approach.

IntroductionSexual health and intimacy are consistently reported among the top unmet supportive care needs of prostate cancer (PC) survivors. With an aging population and advances in PC detection and treatment, the need for better PC sexual health interventions is acute.AimExamine the feasibility of a mindfulness-based therapy group aimed at improving sexual intimacy for couples following PC treatments.MethodsA 4-session mindfulness-based group intervention was developed for PC survivors (mean age 65.6 yrs) and their partners (mean age 61.4 yrs). A mixed-methods approach was adopted to account for small sample sizes (N = 14 couples). Findings will guide future treatment refinement via participants’ lived experiences.Main Outcome MeasuresQuantitative outcomes assessed pretreatment, immediately after treatment, and 6 months later included relationship adjustment, sexual satisfaction, sexual function, depression, anxiety, and mindfulness. Qualitative outcomes used Grounded Theory Approach following posttreatment exit interviews.ResultsEffect sizes 6 months posttreatment indicated moderate improvements in overall sexual satisfaction and large increases in mindfulness in PC survivors, small decreases in sexual intimacy reported by partners, and small increases in anxiety in PC survivors and partners. Qualitative outcomes revealed 6 themes: (i) PC treatments must view PC as a couple’s disease; (ii) PC treatments must consider the impact of illness on individuals and the couple; (iii) Mindfulness was a valued treatment modality; (iv) Individual factors contribute to outcomes, and therefore, must be considered; (v) Multiple perceived mechanisms for change exist; (vi) Group format is a therapeutic element of the process.ConclusionAn acceptance-based approach to sexual intimacy needs among PC survivors and their partners is feasible. While this small-scale preliminary study suggests that mindfulness may address some currently unmet needs among this population, randomized clinical trials are needed.JA Bossio, CS Higano, LA Brotto. Preliminary Development of a Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy to Expand Couples’ Sexual Intimacy after Prostate Cancer: A Mixed Methods Approach. Sex Med 2021;9:100310.

Acceptability and Feasibility of a Mindfulness Intervention Delivered via Videoconferencing for People With Parkinson's.

Mindfulness-based group therapy is a rapidly growing psychological approach that can potentially help people adjust to chronic illness and manage unpleasant symptoms. Emerging evidence suggests that mindfulness-based interventions may benefit people with Parkinson’s. The objective of the paper is to examine the appropriateness, feasibility, and potential cost-effectiveness of an online mindfulness intervention, designed to reduce anxiety and depression for people with Parkinson’s. We conducted a feasibility randomized control trial and qualitative interviews. Anxiety, depression, pain, insomnia, fatigue, impact on daily activities and health-related quality of life were measured at baseline, 4, 8, and 20 weeks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the end of the intervention. Participants were randomized to the Skype delivered mindfulness group (n = 30) or wait-list (n = 30). Participants in the mindfulness group were also given a mindfulness manual and a CD with mindfulness meditations. The intervention did not show any significant effects in the primary or secondary outcome measures. However, there was a significant increase in the quality of life measure. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was estimated to be £27,107 per Quality-Adjusted Life Year gained. Also, the qualitative study showed that mindfulness is a suitable and acceptable intervention. It appears feasible to run a trial delivering mindfulness through Skype, and people with Parkinson’s found the sessions acceptable and helpful.