This study is designed to investigate the effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on cognitive control and flexibility, psychological well-being, and self-compassion among primary caregivers of individuals with chronic mental illnesses. Caregivers of individuals with chronic mental health conditions are exposed to prolonged psychological, emotional, and cognitive demands, which may negatively affect their mental well-being and coping capacities.

The study adopts a mixed-methods approach using an exploratory sequential design in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of caregivers' needs and experiences and to evaluate the potential impact of the intervention. Qualitative findings are intended to inform the development and structuring of the MBSR program, while the quantitative phase is designed to examine changes in key psychological outcomes following the intervention. The study aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting mindfulness-based interventions for caregiver populations and to inform future mental health service practices.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on cognitive control and flexibility, psychological well-being, and self-compassion in primary caregivers of individuals with chronic mental illnesses receiving services from a community mental health center. Caregiving for individuals with chronic mental health conditions often involves sustained emotional, cognitive, and social demands, which may increase vulnerability to psychological distress and reduce adaptive coping capacities.

The study is designed as a mixed-methods research utilizing an exploratory sequential design, integrating qualitative and quantitative research components. In the initial qualitative phase, in-depth, face-to-face interviews are planned to explore caregivers' experiences, perceived challenges, coping strategies, and expectations related to caregiving and psychological support. The qualitative findings are intended to guide the development, adaptation, and content refinement of the MBSR intervention in accordance with the specific needs of the caregiver population.

Following the qualitative phase, the quantitative component of the study is designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial. Eligible caregivers are planned to be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving the MBSR program or a control group receiving routine services. The MBSR program is structured to include mindfulness practices, psychoeducation, and experiential exercises aimed at enhancing present-moment awareness, emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and self-compassion.

Standardized self-report instruments are planned to be used to assess cognitive control and flexibility, psychological well-being, and self-compassion at predefined assessment points. The quantitative findings are intended to complement the qualitative results and to provide a systematic evaluation of the potential effects of the MBSR program.

The integration of qualitative and quantitative findings is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intervention process and outcomes, supporting the development of evidence-based psychosocial interventions for caregivers of individuals with chronic mental illnesses within community mental health service settings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being the primary caregiver of an individual with a chronic mental illness who is registered at the Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) of Söke Fehime Faik Kocagöz State Hospital
• Residing in the Söke district of Aydın province
• Being literate
• Having been the primary caregiver of the patient for at least six months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having been diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder
• Having an intellectual disability
• Data from caregivers who submitted incomplete data collection forms were excluded from the study
• Caregivers who chose to withdraw from the study during the research process were excluded, and any data obtained from them were not used in the analysis
• Individuals who missed more than two sessions of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program were excluded, and their data were not included in the study

The anonymized individual participant data (IPD) that underlie the results reported in this study, including demographic characteristics, outcome measures, and group assignment, will be shared with qualified researchers upon reasonable request. Personal identifiers will be removed to ensure confidentiality and compliance with ethical standards.

IPD and supporting documents will be available beginning 6 months after publication of the study results and will remain accessible for a period of 5 years. Researchers interested in accessing the data must submit a formal request and sign a data use agreement.

Access to the anonymized IPD and supporting documents will be granted to academic researchers or institutions conducting non-commercial scientific studies. Requests should be made in writing to the corresponding author and must include a research proposal. Approved users will be required to sign a data-sharing agreement ensuring confidentiality and appropriate data use.

Due to the nature of the behavioral intervention, masking of participants and care providers is not feasible.