Eudaimonia and Sleep: Effects of a Mindfulness Intervention in Caregivers of People With Dementia

Eudaimonia and Sleep: Effects of a Mindfulness Intervention in Caregivers of People With Dementia

This research study seeks to understand how stress reduction training influences caregiver well-being, sleep, and physiological responses to stress. All participants are caregivers of persons with dementia. Participants will complete a 14-day, online stress-reduction intervention which involves approximately 25-30 minutes of daily practice.

The research project will be conducted over approximately 9 months and will consist of three data collection sessions for each participant. The three data sessions will occur before, after, and at 3-month follow-up of an 14-day, online stress-reduction training, in which participants will be asked to complete about 25 to 30 minutes of practice each day in one of two stress-reduction techniques. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a mindfulness training program or a reappraisal training program. The mindfulness training emphasizes mindfulness-based techniques to reduce stress and promote well-being, whereas the reappraisal training emphasizes cognitive strategies to change one's perception of the stressor as a way to reduce stress and promote well-being.

Inclusion Criteria:

• English speaking
• Self-reporting informal caregivers of persons with dementia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Self-reported major depressive disorder with psychotic features
• History of schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Uncorrected severe sensory impairments or chronic debilitating health problems that could hinder participating in the interventions
• Previous MBSR training or regular meditative practice within previous 6 months