| A modified version of MBSR was employed as a treatment for PTSD with women victims of domestic violence in a mixed methods study design. Twenty-nine women participated in the study with 15 completing the intervention. Quantitative self-report measures, physiological measures, and interviews were used to assess the results. Self-report measures were taken with the Detailed Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress (DAPS), Crime-related Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (CR-PTSD) scale within the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Orientation to Life Questionnaire (SOC-29), and Self-compassion Scale (SCS). Physiological measures included blood pressure, and heart rate. Measures taken to assure quality control and treatment integrity included input from the participants and an assessment of the MBSR course instruction. Pre/post within group comparisons using one-sided dependent t tests indicated significant decreases in PTSD symptoms on all related measures and significant increases in measures of mindfulness, self-compassion, and sense of coherence. Changes in blood pressure and heart rate were not significant. The relationships between mindfulness and symptoms of PTSD were examined through regression analysis. The results revealed that the portions of variance accounted for by the MAAS on PTSD symptoms post and change scores did not reach significance. Instead, SOC scores accounted for significant portions of the variability. Interviews were conducted with the participants to learn more about their experiences during the intervention. Six interviews were analyzed from women who demonstrated consistent practice of the MBSR methods and achieved higher and lower effect sizes on the CR-PTSD scale. Axial coding methods, loosely applied, were used to analyze the interviews. The women identified benefits and challenges of the course, and how they coped with PTSD symptoms during the intervention period. Among other benefits, participants indicated greater awareness of their thoughts, body sensations, and the world around them. They identified altered perspectives, changes in their relationships, and recommended the course for others with PTSD.;Keywords. Posttraumatic stress disorder, meditation, mindfulness, integrative psychotherapy, holistic health, intimate partner violence, domestic violence. |
