Investigating the Feasibility and Effects of an Online Mindfulness Family Caregiver Training Program

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This nonrandomized trial investigated the feasibility and mental health outcomes associated with a mindfulness family caregiver (MFC) training program delivered online. Method The study included 216 family caregivers (85.2% female; mean age = 57.34, SD = 12.87; 83.4% White, 2.8% Black, 12% Asian, 8.1% Hispanic, 1.8% American Indian/Alaska Native) who enrolled in the weekly, 4-session MFC training and completed self-report assessments at baseline, 1-month later at pre-training, and immediately after the MFC training. Feasibility was assessed in six domains (acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, expansion, and limited efficacy) using self-reports and program attendance. Results The program was feasible in six domains. For feasibility, 70% of participants completed ≥ 75% of the training, with high rates of endorsement of training facets. For mental health outcomes, MFC was associated with significant improvement in depression (Hedges’ g = 0.49), anxiety (g = 0.64), caregiver burden (g = 0.51), and positive affect/well-being (g = 0.56). There was also evidence of increased physical (g = 0.19) and emotional (g = 0.19) health in caregivers. Conclusions A brief, 4-week, online group mindfulness training may be feasible and effective in reducing caregiver burden and enhancing psychological well-being in family caregivers. Preregistration The study is preregistered at Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/twz58/).