Web-based Mindfulness Training for Caregivers (1 CE)

Number of Credits: 1

This course is for: Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, and Marriage & Family Therapists

Course By: Ken Springer, PhD

Content By: Stjernswärd, S., & Hansson, L. (2020). A qualitative study of caregivers' experiences, motivation and challenges using a web-based mindfulness intervention. Community Mental Health Journal, 56, 416-425.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-019-00477-7

Course Description: Caregivers experience stress, burnout, and other problems attributable to the caregiving role, but they may face barriers to accessing face-to-face professional help. The present study examined whether a web-based mindfulness program could benefit caregivers of a family member or significant other with a somatic illness. After participating in 8 weeks of online mindfulness training, caregivers were interviewed by phone about their experiences. Four groups of findings emerged from these interviews. First, during more stressful periods, caregivers reported a greater need for the training but less ability to implement what they learned from it. Second, all caregivers reported positive effects of training, regardless of training time. Third, some but not all caregivers reported improved relationships with those they were caring for. Fourth, caregivers differed in how readily they could implement what they learned from training. These and other results have clinical implications for the use of mindfulness training to support the mental health of caregivers.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the need to support caregivers and the web-based mindfulness program used to provide support in this study
2. Describe the main findings of the study concerning caregiver experiences with the mindfulness program
3. Integrate the strengths and limitations of the study, and summarize the clinical implications for supporting caregivers

Course Outline:

• Read and understand A qualitative study of caregivers' experiences, motivation and challenges using a web-based mindfulness intervention
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Understand the need for supporting the mental health of caregivers
• Understand the web-based mindfulness training that was provided as well as the methods for exploring how caregivers experienced this training
• Distinguish among the four groups of findings that emerged from caregiver interviews
• Integrate the study's key findings, strengths, limitations, and practical implications
• Work through the post-test questions, using the article as the sole basis for your answers
• Revisit the article for any missed questions and/or to better understand the experiences of caregivers who received mindfulness training

Approvals: