A Qualitative Evaluation of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Complex Trauma Survivors
摘要
This study aimed to evaluate participants’ appreciation and perceived benefits and limitations of a trauma-sensitive, mindfulness-based intervention for complex trauma survivors from their viewpoints. The intervention was planned and implemented in the public health system in Quebec, Canada.
MethodBased on a fourth-generation qualitative evaluation design, this evaluation was conducted with 18 survivors of complex traumas who participated in a 15-session intervention and individual semi-structured interviews a month after the intervention. A thematic analysis was performed.
ResultsFour themes were identified. First, the group structure facilitated the recovery process because the professionals teaching the intervention provided useful guidelines (e.g., fostered safety and invited participants to respect others). Second, participants mentioned that they appreciated the content and approaches of the intervention, notably due to the psychoeducation on trauma and the professionals being authentic and caring. Third, they perceived learning and experiential knowledge following the intervention, such as developed mindfulness abilities, improved relationships, and post-traumatic growth. Lastly, they reported contextual limitations to the intervention: some of the content was too complex or unsuited to their realities; they had personal limitations hampering their recovery process, or some of the mindfulness resources did not work for them.
ConclusionsThese findings shed light on participants’ appreciation, perceived benefits, and limitations of the intervention. Some considerations should be considered before implementing mindfulness-based interventions with complex trauma survivors (e.g., training to promote an adequate approach and the ability to tailor the intervention).
PreregistrationThis study was not preregistered.