The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction training given to menopausal women on anxiety, depression and hopelessness

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training on the level of anxiety, depression and hopelessness in menopausal women. Material and Method: The research was carried out as an experimental study with pretest-posttest control group between November 2020 and May 2021 in Kars city center Yenişehir ASM and Prime Ministry TOKİ ASM. The research was completed with 100 menopausal women (50 control, 50 experimental). Data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-1), the Hamilton Depression Inventory (HAM-D), and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BAI). The women in the experimental group were given 8 sessions of MBSR training, and the women in the control group did not receive any intervention. Number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square, dependent and independent groups t-test was used in the analysis of the data. Results: It was determined that the anxiety, depression and hopelessness levels of the menopausal women in the experimental group decreased after the training compared to the control group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p˂0.05). In group comparison; The difference between the pretest and posttest mean scores of the experimental group anxiety, depression and hopelessness levels was found to be statistically significant (p˂0.05). In the in-group comparison of the control group, it was determined that the difference in anxiety, depression and hopelessness levels was not statistically significant (p˃0.05). Conclusion: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction training was found to be effective in reducing anxiety, depression and hopelessness in menopausal women. Keywords: Anxiety, depression, mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy, menopause, psychiatric nursing, hopelessness.