The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction education given to obese adolescent on eating behaviors and depression

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction education given to obese adolescent on eating behaviors and depression. Material and Method: The research was carried out between March 2021 and May 2021 in middle schools and high schools located in the city center of Mardin, as an experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group. The sample of the research consisted of 93 (experimental group: 45, control group: 48) obese adolescents determined by power analysis. "Descriptive Characteristics Form", "Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire" and "Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale" were used to collect datas. An 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction education was given to the experimental group. No intervention was applied to the individuals in the control group. In the analyzing of the data, "percentage distribution, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, chi-square test, t test for independent groups and t test for dependent groups" were used. Results: It was determined that there was a decrease in the total scores of eating behaviors and depression after MBSR education in obese adolescents in the experimental group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). It was determined that the eating behaviors and total depression scores of the obese adolescents in the experimental group decreased compared to those in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that MBSR education is an effective method in positively changing the eating behaviors of obese adolescents and reducing their depression levels. Keywords: Depression, adolescent, mindfulness-based stress reduction education, nursing, obese, eating behavior