The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction progran in the elderly on spiritual well-being and meaning of life

ABSTRACT THE EFFECT OF MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION PROGRAM IN THE ELDERLY ON SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING AND MEANING OF LIFE Sevimoğlu MY., Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health Nursing, Doctorate Thesis, Aydın, 2024. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on the spiritual well-being and meaning-making of elderly individuals. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted as a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test control group design. The study sample consisted of a total of 34 elderly individuals, with 17 in the experimental group and 17 in the control group. To assess the cognitive status of the elderly participants, the "Standardized Mini-Mental Test" was used for those with primary school or higher education, while the "Standardized Mini-Mental Test for the Illiterate" was used for illiterate individuals and those who had not completed primary school. Elderly individuals who scored 23 or above on the Standardized Mini-Mental Test were included in the study. As part of the study, the elderly participants received mindfulness training. For data analysis, descriptive statistical analyses, Mann-Whitney U test, Friedman test, Pearson Chi-Square test, and Likelihood Ratio test were used. Results: It was found that the Anomie Subscale score average of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group after training and at the first follow-up after training. The average scores of the Transcendence and Anomie Subscales, as well as the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, increased in the experimental group after training. In the control group, the average score of the Transcendence Subscale increased in the first month after training compared to the pre-training score. The Meaning in Life Scale and the Sought Meaning Subscale scores of the experimental group increased at the first and third-month follow-ups after training. In the control group, the average score of the Presence of Meaning Subscale was found to be higher in all post-training measurements compared to the pre-training scores. Conclusion: The mindfulness-based stress reduction program was found to have a positive effect on the spiritual well-being and meaning-making of elderly individuals. Key Words: Elderly, Mindfulness, Nursing, Spirituality, Stress.