The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a brief mindfulness training intervention using a consumer-grade wearable device with biofeedback for reducing stress and promoting psychological health in family caregivers of people with dementia.
The intervention includes two weekly sessions, each lasting 90 minutes, of brief mindfulness training. The intervention group will be provided with a wearable device that offers biofeedback, which aims to promote their mindfulness practice and help the caregivers cultivate a mindful attitude in their daily activities, leading to stress reduction. Participants in the intervention group will attend a 30-minute briefing session to learn how to use the wearable device and understand the parameters displayed on the device. The caregivers will be instructed to practice mindfulness for 30 minutes every day over the course of eight weeks.
Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the mindfulness intervention combined with biofeedback or the mindfulness intervention alone. Evaluations will be conducted at three time-points: baseline (0 weeks), mid-intervention (4 weeks), and post-intervention (8 weeks). Both groups will complete the same assessments at each time-point.
Family caregivers of an individual who has been residing in the community with a confirmed medical diagnosis of any type of dementia (from NGO record or the care-recipients' medical record);
Providing care for at least 4 hours or more per week;
Able to speak Cantonese (for understanding all teaching materials and instructions).
Practicing or having recently learned meditation, mindfulness activities, and/or relaxation training in the last 6 months;
Regularly using wearable devices;
Diagnosed with a mental disorder such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, or depression in an acute phase.