Mental Health Benefits of Maitri Sambodh Dhyaan (MSD) Meditation for Dementia Caregivers

TL;DR

This study explores how MSD meditation helps dementia caregivers feel calmer, happier, and more resilient over time.

Contribution

The study introduces MSD meditation, a unique meditation practice, and evaluates its mental health benefits for dementia caregivers.

Findings

Participants reported feeling calm, relaxed, and happy after practicing MSD meditation.

Caregivers experienced improved self-care, mental health, and sleep quality.

MSD meditation was linked to better emotional resilience and coping mechanisms.

Abstract

Prior research has consistently established the role of meditation as a coping resource to mitigate the adverse impacts of stressful life situations on mental health. However, existing research on positive effects and mechanisms that transmit these positive effects of meditation for current and former dementia caregivers is limited. This qualitative study is focused on how current and former dementia caregivers perceive effects of Maitri Sambodh Dhyaan (MSD) meditation, a unique practice that integrates elements of previously researched meditation techniques into one. We used longitudinal qualitative descriptive content analysis of open-ended questions asked of 44 current and former dementia caregivers. The MSD meditation intervention was administered for 21 days and after 21 days the participants were asked to practice on their own with the video recording that was provided to them. We followed up in 30- and 60-days. Positive emotions that dementia caregivers experienced after their practice of meditation included calmness, relaxation, refreshing, content, happy, peaceful, focused, connectedness, appreciative for the meditative time and intervention. The participants also reported improvement in their self-care, mental health, sleep quality, and reaction to their care-recipient. The findings highlight the importance of integrating meditation practices into caregiver support programs to strengthen emotional resilience, enhance mental health, and improve coping mechanisms.