Mindfulness en la salud sexual y bienestar psicológico de profesionales y cuidadores/as de personas en riesgo de exclusión social

Introduction

The objective of the study was to explore the effect of the Mindfulness-based program (MBSR) on the sexual health and psychological well-being of professionals and volunteers of Doctors of the World who care for people at risk of social exclusion.

Method

The entire population of a NGO in southern Spain was chosen because it receives a large number of vulnerable people. Quasi-experimental study with pre and post-test measurements. The intervention lasted 8 weeks plus an introductory session, with sessions of 2.5 h. Seven instruments were applied before and after the intervention: (a) Mindfulness Scale (MAAS); (b) Body Connection Scale; (c) Compassion Questionnaire (SCS); (d) Ryff's psychological well-being scale; (e) Hurlbert's Fantastic Sexuality Index; (f) Wilson's Sexual Fantasy Scale, and (g) Hudson's Sexual Satisfaction Index (ISS).

Results

Most of the post-test scores were better compared to the pre-test. On the MAAS scale, the score was higher in the post-test than in the pretest (Wilcoxon = −2668, P<.05) and, in the ISS, the score was also higher in the post-test than in the pre-test (Wilcoxon = −2.201, P<.05). However, in the Bodily Dissociation subscale, the score was lower (Wilcoxon = −2.670, P<.05). All effect sizes were moderate to high.

Conclusions

The application of the MBSR protocol can increase the degree of sexual satisfaction, decrease body dissociation, promote mental health and self-compassion in people who treat vulnerable people, which may have an impact on a higher quality of approach to them.