Mindfulnes-Based Stress Reduction for Older Couples with Metabolic Syndrome: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: We examined the feasibility and explored the physical, psychological, relational, and biological effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), an 8-week standardized mindfulness program, involving older married couples (60 years or older) with metabolic syndrome (one or both partners had metabolic syndrome). We also explored gender differences.

Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared MBSR to a Wait List Control (WLC) arm at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up clinic visits. Twenty-two spouses (11 couples) self-reported stress, physical and mental functioning, mindfulness, and relationship satisfaction at each time point. Fasting glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, weight, and waist circumference were measured. MBSR couples answered questions about partner influences on participation, adherence, and practice at the post-intervention visit.

Results: In terms of adherence to MBSR sessions, four of the six couples attended all 10 sessions; one couple attended 7; and one wife attended 6 and her husband attended 5 sessions. In terms of efficacy, there were no significant intervention effects; however, there were significant gender by intervention effects. Pre- to post-intervention, MBSR wives displayed greater increases in physical functioning (β = 1.18, t(36) = 3.17, p = .003) and relationship satisfaction (β = .72, t(36) = 2.81, p = .007) than WLC wives. Effects for husbands were not significant. Qualitatively, participants reported encouragement and increased relationship closeness.

Conclusions: Engaging in MBSR as a couple to address symptoms of metabolic syndrome was well-received and feasible. Preliminary effects suggest more benefits for wives than husbands in terms of physical functioning and relational well-being.

Keywords: MBSR; couples; metabolic syndrome.

Figure 1.

Self-reported physical functioning as function of gender, time and study conditions. Panel a illustrates the effect of study condition and time for wives. Panel b illustrates the effects of time and study condition for husbands. Means shown are unadjusted marginal means. Error bars correspond to standard error of mean estimates.

Figure 2.

Relationship satisfaction as functioning as function of gender, time and study conditions. Panel a illustrates the effect of study condition and time for wives. Panel b illustrates the effects of time and study condition for husbands. Means shown are unadjusted marginal means. Error bars correspond to standard error of mean estimates.