The Effect of a Dyadic Support Intervention on Mindfulness Home Practice Adherence: A Feasibility Study

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2024-07-01

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en

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An important component of mindfulness-based interventions is conducting daily mindfulness exercises at home, and engagement in these practices is associated with better outcomes. However, many individuals find it difficult to regularly execute the recommended amount of meditation practice. The present study examined the influence of a dyadic support intervention on adherence to mindfulness practice, in terms of practice frequency and duration. Forty participants between 20 and 75 years old (M =38.69, SD = 13.04) who followed an eight-week mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) program were assigned to either an intervention or control condition. From session three onwards, the intervention was applied, pairing participants to provide mutual support for their practice throughout the remainder of the course. Results indicated a significant effect of the dyadic support intervention on practice frequency over time. Participants who received dyadic support maintained a stable frequency of practice sessions per week, while those without support showed a decline. No significant effect of the intervention was observed on the average duration of individual practice sessions. This pilot study highlights the potential of dyadic interventions to enhance adherence to mindfulness practice, indicating a promising, cost effective, and easily implementable strategy for MBI programs. Future research is warranted to further explore the underlying mechanisms of such interventions.

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Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen

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