Using Photovoice in a Mindfulness-Based Program to Understand the Experiences of Caregivers of Young Adults with Psychosis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to explore whether a mindfulness-based family psychoeducation program (MBFPE) could reduce caregiver burden and improve caregiving experiences for family caregivers of young adults with psychosis.
Results Summary
The study found that MBFPE helped caregivers manage stress and burden through mindfulness, with six key themes emerging, including present-moment attention, trust, and self-care. Photovoice provided additional insights into participants' experiences and program outcomes.
Population
Family caregivers of young adults with psychosis.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based family psychoeducation program (MBFPE) | decrease | caregiver burden | family caregivers of family members with psychosis | - | may reduce | #1 |
mindfulness-based family psychoeducation program (MBFPE) | increase | caregiver caregiving experience | family caregivers of family members with psychosis | - | improve | #2 |
mindfulness-based family psychoeducation program (MBFPE) | increase | - | caregivers of young adults with psychosis | - | generated positive changes | #3 |
mindfulness | decrease | caregiving stress and burden | caregivers | - | contributed to caregivers' management | #4 |
photovoice | increase | awareness and insights of participants | participants in a mindfulness-based program | - | can offer an additional approach to enhance | #5 |
Studies have consistently shown that family caregivers experience caregiver burden and depression when they provide care for family members with psychosis. Photovoice is a participatory action research method of fostering dialogues about personal experiences by sharing and discussing photographs that may improve our understanding about how a mindfulness-based family psychoeducation program (MBFPE) can reduce the caregiver burden and improve their caregiving experience. We explored the experiences of the participants in their use of photovoice in a MBFPE. We investigated whether the MBFPE program generated positive changes for caregivers of young adults with psychosis. Using photovoice, we collected qualitative data to help develop a unique contextual understanding of MBFPE program outcomes and generate novel ideas, insights, suggestions, and questions on the basis of participant's perceptions. Participants in our pilot study and randomized controlled study of MBFPE were invited to participate in this photovoice activity. On the basis of a procedure developed for MBFPE, caregivers were invited to use photographs to express how mindfulness contributed to caregivers' management of their caregiving stress and burden. Caregiver's inquiry with the MBFPE instructors were transcribed for analysis together with the photographs. A grounded theory approach was adopted to analyze the photovoice images, participants' reflections, and inquiries of photographs. Six themes were developed in understanding the lived experience of caregivers in participation of MBFPE: (1) I pay attention to the present moment; (2) I care about my family; (3) I trust my children; (4) I appreciate the connection with and support from nature and the universe; (5) I observe my worries and guilt and learn not to be reactive; and (6) I find space in offering care and exercising self-care. The application of photovoice can offer an additional approach to enhance the awareness and insights of participants in a mindfulness-based program. Specific guidelines may be developed to enhance the learning of participants.