Stress in caregivers of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities: A systematic review of mindfulness-based interventions.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for reducing stress and psychological distress in professional caregivers of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs).
Results Summary
The review found inconsistent effects on stress but consistent improvements in caregivers' distress ratings. Process outcomes indicated increased mindful awareness, cognitive defusion, and reduced thought suppression, with treatment effects maintained or growing at follow-up.
Population
Professional caregivers supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs).
Effective Dosage
Not available
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | no change | stress | professional caregivers supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) | inconsistent findings | inconsistent findings in relation to stress, with significant reductions or increases reported | #1 |
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | caregivers' ratings of distress | professional caregivers supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) | - | consistently improved | #2 |
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | mindful awareness | professional caregivers supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) | - | suggested increased | #3 |
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | cognitive defusion | professional caregivers supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) | - | suggested increased | #4 |
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | decrease | thought suppression | professional caregivers supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) | - | suggested reduced | #5 |
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | treatment effects | professional caregivers supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) | - | effects were maintained or continued to grow | #6 |
mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) | increase | management of stress and distress | caregivers of individuals with IDDs | short-term | supports, at least, short-term benefits | #7 |
BACKGROUND: The efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for stress and psychological distress in professional caregivers supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) is reviewed. METHODS: Eight studies met inclusion criteria and were systematically reviewed, including RCTs and single-group designs. RESULTS: As per Reichow, Volkmar, and Cicchetti (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38, 2008), three studies were classified as "adequate quality" and five were classified as "weak." There were inconsistent findings in relation to stress, with significant reductions or increases reported by caregivers following MBIs. MBIs consistently improved caregivers' ratings of distress. Process outcomes suggested increased mindful awareness, increased cognitive defusion and reduced thought suppression. Treatment effects were maintained or continued to grow at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers of individuals with IDDs face multiple challenges on a daily basis. This review supports, at least, short-term benefits for MBIs in the management of stress and distress in caregivers of individuals with IDDs.