Abstract
The Minnesota Department of Health (n.d.) defines a chronic health condition as having an extended course, does not resolve suddenly, and complete cure is a rarity. The literature suggests that stress can exacerbate the symptoms of chronic health condition (Roth and Robins, 2004). Addressing the biopsychosocial needs of individuals with chronic health conditions pushes the limits of conventional medicine (Grossman, Niemann, Schmidt, & Walach, 2004). A chronic health condition, if left untreated can lead to additional physical and psychological conditions (e.g. contributing to the development of anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and helplessness) (Ledesma & Kumano, 2009); (Reibel, Greeson, Brainard, & Rosenzweig, 2001). One way to reduce stress is through the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) a program developed to address the biospychosocial needs of an individual with chronic health conditions by providing training in meditation and yoga as an approach to stress reduction and emotion management (Bishop, 2002). Additionally, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction is an integrative approach to decrease stress and improve quality of life (Praissman, 2008).
The purpose of this research was to evaluate the modifications made to the University of Massachusetts’ Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program as found in the literature and identify alternative strategies to decrease the stress of individuals suffering from specific chronic health conditions. The findings will be presented to the agency and at the Minnesota State University, Mankato Masters of Social Work Capstone Forum.
Advisor
Kimberly Zammitt
Date of Degree
2010
Language
english
Document Type
Other Capstone Project
Degree
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Department
Social Work
College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Dulohery, K. (2010). Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Chronic Illness [Master’s capstone project, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/480/
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