Year: 2012
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Thirty-eight subjects working at a large midwestern medical center were recruited and given a book and workbook that provided them with the background and training in the SMART program. Subjects were instructed to read through and practice the various SMART principles and techniques. These techniques included education about the neurophysiology of stress and resilience, training attention to focus on present moment awareness, refining interpretations, and cultivating higher values such as gratitude, forgiveness and higher meaning. Primary outcome measures assessed at baseline and week 12 included the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CDRS), Mindfulness Attention Scale (MAAS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Smith Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Overall Quality of Life (QoL). Thirty-three subjects completed the study and provided baseline and follow up data. Mean age was 48.1 years (range 27 to 66 years) and 85% of participants were female. Statistically significant improvements in resilience, mindfulness, perceived stress, anxiety, and overall QoL wereas observed at 12-weeks compared to baseline: (CDRS: 73.4±10.8 vs. 81.8±13.8, p<0.001), (MAAS: 3.7±0.7 vs. 4.3±0.9, p<0.001), (PSS: 25.7±5.6 vs. 19.5±7.3, p<0.001), (SAS: 55.5±15.4 vs. 41.7±14.9, p<0.001), and (QoL: 7.0±1.7 vs. 8.0±1.5, p=0.001). This study demonstrates that a brief, self-directed program to decrease stress and enhance resilience and mindfulness is feasible. Further, the program provides excellent short-term efficacy for enhancing resilience, mindfulness and quality of life, and decreasing stress and anxiety. Future randomized trials with larger sample sizes are warranted to study the effectiveness of the intervention.
Authors: V Sharma, B Bauer, K Prasad, A Sood, D Schroeder
Institution: Mayo Clinic
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,990
OpenAlex ID: W2086026515