Based on extensive clinical research, this book sheds new light onto how Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) can be used with older adults as an effective complementary intervention, identifying specific ways in which MBSR programmes can be adapted and fine-tuned to meet the needs of this group. Presenting robust new evidence to support the efficacy of MBSR as a holistic therapeutic approach, the author draws interesting and original conclusions about its positive impact on older people's psychological and spiritual wellbeing, physical health, neuropsychological performance, attitudes towards death and dying and overall quality of life. The lived experiences of older adults taking part in an MBSR programme provide rich first-hand insights into the therapeutic process, and the author drawsvaluable conclusions about ethical considerations and the responsibilities and personal transformation of the MBSRfacilitator.Professionals involved in delivering mindfulness-based interventions to older adults, including psychologists, counsellors, spiritual directors and physicians, will find this to be essential reading. It will also be of interest to students, academics and researchers wishing to keep abreast of the latest research and developments in the MBSR field.
Preface. 1. Mindfulness and MBSR. Meditation and Mindfulness. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Mindfulness and Spirituality.MBSR and Older Adults. Mindfulness: Psychological Perspectives. Buddhist Perspectives. Mindfulness and Neuroplasticity. Older Adults.Summary. Older Adults and Life Meaning. Dying and Death. Death Attitudes in Old Age. Grief and Bereavement in Old Age. Summary.Conclusion. 2. Methodology. Integral Inquiry Method. Participants. Procedure. 3. Quantitative Results. Participants' Characteristics. Sample:Differences between CG and TG. Mindfulness. Compassion. Decentering. Wellbeing. Psychological Symptoms. Quality of Life. PhysicalHealth/Symptoms. Death Perspectives. Spirituality. Neuropsychological Performance. Summary of Quantitative Results. 4. Qualitative Results.Individual Depictions. Global Results. Summary of Results. 5. Mixed-Method Results. 6. Integral Results. Change Openness Versus Resistanceto Change. Wisdom. Life Meaning. Adaptation. 7. Discussion. Interpretations and Conceptualisation of Findings. Delimitations and Limitations.Applications and Implications of the Study. Summary and Conclusions. Appendix A: Description of Quantitative Measures. Appendix B:Interview Protocol. Appendix C: Treatment of Data. Appendix D: MAAS Statistical Results. Appendix E: FFMQ Statistical Results. Appendix F:SCS Statistical Results. Appendix G: EQ Statistical Results. Appendix H: SWLS Statistical Results. Appendix I: PANAS Statistical Results.Appendix J: PWBS Statistical Results. Appendix K: POMS Statistical Results. Appendix L: PSS Statistical Results. Appendix M: WHOQOLStatistical Results. Appendix N: WHOQOL Statistical Results. Appendix O: SHCI Statistical Results. Appendix P: Death Perspectives StatisticalResults. Appendix Q: SWBQ Statistical Results. Appendix R: Working Memory Index Statistical Results. Appendix S: Processing Speed IndexStatistical Results. Appendix T: Memory Statistical Results. References. Subject Index. Author Index.
