Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: Enhancing Resilience and Well-being of Spouses of Soldiers

ABSTRACT

Background: The Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a reputed intervention programme which employs an active, purposive and non-judgemental awareness of experiences. The present study aims to evaluate relative efficiency of MBCT in improving resilience and well-being of Spouses of deployed military soldiers. Methodology: A quasi-experimental design was adopted with a non-randomized single group pre-test post- test design. The sample of the study comprised of N=53 female spouses of soldiers of Indian army with age range of 28-45 years. The Experimental Group (Mage= 38.35; SD= ±4.27) received MBCT sessions for 8 weeks. The participants completed measures of Resilience, Psychological well-being, Hardiness, HEXACO personality model and Social Support. Results: Post-test results showed that the experimental group participants scored higher in the overall resilience, certain domains of psychological well-being i.e. Personal Growth, Positive relations and Purpose in life in the post-intervention stage when compared to their baseline scores. Hardiness has significant positive relationship with resilience and purpose in life construct of well-being.. Conclusion: Spouses of soldiers who face a lot of separation from their partners amongst other military spouses be given an opportunity to use mindfulness skills in their practical life.