Investigating how telephone‐based mindfulness training impacts family conflict and communication for rural African American dementia caregivers

Background Older African Americans (AA) are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). In turn, AA ADRD caregivers are more likely to provide in‐home care while being less likely to use respite services as compared to White caregivers. Caregiving for people with ADRD is associated with considerable physical, financial, and emotional strain (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022). Mindfulness‐based interventions (MBI) can be effective at addressing these issues for ADRD caregivers and have been found to be culturally acceptable for AA caregivers (Woods‐Giscombé et al., 2014). However, few studies have tested targeted MBI on rural AA caregivers. As part of a broader study, we investigated the effects of a telephone‐delivered MBI on AA ADRD caregiver burden and relevant secondary outcomes for both caregiving team members. The purpose of this study is to explore how mindfulness training impacts family conflict within the informal caregiving team. Method Primary caregivers and care partners of people with dementia participated in an eight‐week MBSR training program consisting of eight telephone‐delivered, instructor‐led classes and one virtual retreat. Post‐participation interviews with study participants (n = 51) were analyzed using Atlas.ti to assign descriptive meaning to sections of the data. After all codes were finalized, a detailed codebook was created, which included each code, its definition, and an example quote, along with any comments. Result Our analysis revealed four key themes illustrating how the mindfulness intervention served to positively impact family conflict and communication among participating caregivers. Mindfulness training: 1) is helpful in resolving present family conflict; 2) provides tools for future conflict resolution; 3) helps the caregiver feel more present/in control despite family conflict; and 4) enriches already positive family connections. Conclusion Nearly all caregivers described the intervention as being helpful in resolving current family conflict, and those caregivers who did not endorse present family conflict stated that the mindfulness training provided tools for alleviating future conflict should it occur. Most caregivers reported that the intervention helped them to feel more present and better able to work through conflict when family miscommunication did occur. Similarly, caregivers confirmed that mindfulness training acted to reinforce already positive family connections.