The experience of meditation for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their caregivers - a qualitative analysis

Psychol Health Med. 2016 Sep;21(6):762-8. doi: 10.1080/13548506.2015.1115110. Epub 2015 Nov 20.

Abstract

There is a lack of studies about psychological interventions for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their caregivers. We investigated the experience of a meditation training program tailored for ALS needs. People with ALS (pALS) and their caregivers that joined a meditation program for ALS were interviewed at the end of the program. Verbatims were analyzed with a qualitative approach. Both pALS and their caregivers reported a positive impact on their psychological well-being, promoted by an increase in acceptance and non-judgmental attitude. Furthermore, coping strategies seem to improve, with a positive effect on resilience skills. The ALS meditation training program seems to be an effective psychological intervention for the promotion of well-being in pALS and their caregivers.

Keywords: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; caregivers; meditation; mindfulness; psychological interventions; quality of life.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / psychology*
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Meditation / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Qualitative Research
  • Quality of Life / psychology