Comparing mind-body wellness interventions for older adults with chronic illness: classroom versus home instruction

Behav Med. 1999 Winter;24(4):181-90. doi: 10.1080/08964289.1999.11879274.

Abstract

Two versions of a multicomponent mind-body wellness intervention were tested. One hundred seventy-eight physician-referred HMO patients (mean age = 64.5) were randomly assigned to a classroom intervention, a home study intervention, or a wait-list control group. Both interventions provided instruction on mind-body relationships, relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, problem solving, communication, behavioral treatment for insomnia, nutrition, and exercise. The home version was delivered by class videotapes and readings. Compared with the control condition, both interventions led to significant decreases in self-reports of pain, sleep difficulties, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. The home course also led to a significant decrease in self-reported frequency of medical symptoms, and the classroom program resulted in a significant decrease in "chance" health locus of control beliefs. No effects were obtained for health behaviors, life satisfaction, HMO satisfaction, and other health locus of control beliefs. A lower cost, more accessible home study version of a mind-body wellness program can be an effective alternative to classroom instruction.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Behavior Therapy / methods
  • Behavior Therapy / standards*
  • Bibliotherapy / standards
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Chronic Disease* / psychology
  • Chronic Disease* / therapy
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods
  • Patient Education as Topic / standards*
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Prospective Studies
  • Psychophysiology / education
  • Psychotherapy, Group / standards*
  • Remote Consultation / standards*
  • Teaching / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Videotape Recording / standards