The Mindful and Self-Compassionate Care Program (MASC): Reducing Stress for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia
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PROJECT SUMMARY: Within a 3-year R01 we will use the NIH stage model and principles from the Science of Behavioral Change to develop, optimize and establish proof of concept for the Mindful, Self-Compassionate Care Program (MASC) for stressed caregivers of persons with ADRD with challenging behaviors. In aim 1, we will use qualitative focus groups to develop MASC (NIH stage 1A; up to 30 caregivers; n=4 groups). In aim 2, we will optimize MASC and conduct an open pilot with exit interviews to explore feasibility benchmarks, target engagement and signal of improvement in stress, depression, anxiety and well- being (NIH stage 1A; up to 10 caregivers; n=1 group). In aim 3, we will conduct a pilot RCT of MASC versus a Health Education control to establish feasibility benchmarks and preliminary efficacy and explore evidence for potential mechanisms of improvement through the proposed mechanistic targets (N=80/c0 completers). MASC combines evidence- based skills from mindfulness programs, self-compassion programs, and behavioral management programs. MASC structure and components are designed to facilitate uptake, skill practice, and sustainability of improvements. MASC has 6 sessions and is delivered virtually in groups. MASC has an associated web platform that facilitates skills practice and is available to caregivers after the group ends. Our guiding hypothesis is that MASC skills of mindfulness, self-compassion, and behavioral management will interact and lead to decreased stress, depression and anxiety and improved well-being, through decreased loneliness, increased caregiver self-efficacy, social support, mindfulness, self-compassion, compassion and improved relationship quality. Our team is well positioned to conduct this study with specific experience in mindfulness and self-compassion programs; intervention development, feasibility testing and clinical trials; ADRD caregivers; recruitment of national, geographically diverse samples. At the end of the 3-year period of this R01 we will have clear evidence of the feasibility of study procedures, randomization, acceptability, credibility, adherence, ability to retain and recruit as well as its proof of concepts in reducing stress in caregivers of people with ADRD and proposed mechanisms. Results from this R01 study will be used to apply for funding to conduct a fully powered hybrid efficacy-effectiveness RCT. The goal is dissemination and implementation of MASC to reduce stress, among all in need caregivers of persons with ADRD.
