The effects of a mindfulness-based family psychoeducation intervention for the caregivers of young adults with first-episode psychosis: A randomized controlled trial

Zhang, Zoe Jiwen; Lo, Herman Hay Ming; Man Ng, Siu; Mak, Winnie W.S.; Yeung Shan Wong, Samuel; Hung, Karen S.Y.; Siu Lin Lo, Cola; Oi Yin Wong, Jessica; Lui, Simon S.Y.; Lin, Edmund; Man Wah Siu, Clara; Wai Ching Yan, Eric; Ho Wan Chan, Sunny; Yip, Annie; Fai Poon, Man; Oi Chi Wong, Gloria; Wai Hung Mak, Jonathan; Shiu Wah Tam, Hillman; Huen Hung Tse, Iris; Fook Hin Leung, Bobby

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we investigated the effects of a mindfulness-based family psychoeducation (MBFPE) program on the mental-health outcomes of both caregivers and young adults with first-episode psychosis with an onset in the past three years through a multi-site randomized controlled trial. We also studied the outcomes of three potential mediating effects of interpersonal mindfulness, expressed emotions, and non-attachment on the program. Method: We randomly assigned 65 caregivers of young adults with psychosis to MBFPE (n = 33) or an ordinary family psychoeducation (FPE) program (n = 32); among them, 18 young adults in recovery also participated in the evaluation of outcomes. Results: Intent-to-treat analyses were conducted. No significant time × group interaction effects of MBFPE and FPE programs were found in any of the caregivers’ outcomes. However, the young adults with psychosis reported higher levels of recovery after the MBFPE program than after the ordinary FPE program (F = 8.268, p = 0.012, d = 1.484). They also reported a larger reduction in over-involvement of their caregivers (F = 4.846, p = 0.044, d = 1.136), showing that MBFPE had a superior effect to FPE in promoting recovery and reducing over-involvement. Conclusions: A brief psychoeducation program may not reduce the burden on or improve the mental-health outcome of caregivers of individuals with recent-onset psychosis. However, integrating mindfulness into a conventional family psychoeducation program may reduce the expressed emotions of caregivers, especially over-involvement. Further studies should explore how psychoeducation programs can reduce the impact of psychosis on family through sustainable effects in terms of reducing their burden and expressed emotions, using a rigorous study and adequate sample size.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 3, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jan 5, 2023
• Publication Date: Jan 5, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jan 6, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 10, 2023
• Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Print ISSN: 1661-7827
• Electronic ISSN: 1660-4601
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 2
• Article Number: 1018
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021018
• Keywords: Mindfulness-based intervention; family psychoeducation; caregivers; first-episode psychosis; randomized controlled trial
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10297041
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/2/1018