A Randomized-Controlled Pilot Study Comparing a One-Day and Four-Week Mindfulness-Based Group Intervention for Family Caregivers

ABSTRACT Family caregivers can be at risk for emotional, mental, and physical health problems. The purpose of this study was to determine if brief mindfulness training was effective in reducing stress levels of family caregivers and to compare the ways that this treatment is studied. Family caregivers (N = 12) were randomly assigned to 5 hours of mindfulness training either all in one day (“all day” treatment) or in weekly installments of 75 minutes over 4 weeks (“4-week” treatment). In both groups, family caregivers experienced increased mindfulness and stress reduction. Implications and recommendations for group leaders are offered in this article.