Impact of Mindfulness on Psychological Well-being of Stroke Survivors and Their Caregivers

This study will employ a randomized control design. Stroke survivors and family caregivers will be recruited for the study, and randomized either to receive mindfulness-based intervention or health education. Both programs consist of 4 2-hour sessions. Participants of the mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) will be taught and guided in practice of psychosocial interventions that are focused on (1) stress management and coping skills, (2), body awareness and movement, (3) feelings of empathy and compassion and (4) motivation for rehabilitation. Participants of the health education program (HEP) will learn and discuss topics related to self-care and post-stroke management. Measures will be administered prior to and on completion of the intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. They will be used to assess symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, stress, perceived quality of life and participant characteristics such as personality variables.