Grieving a disrupted biography: an interpretative phenomenological analysis exploring barriers to the use of mindfulness after neurological injury or impairment

BMC Psychol, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-021-00628-0 · Published: August 11, 2021

Mental Health Neurorehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study explores how mindfulness teachers with neurological injuries use mindfulness for self-management, focusing on their reasons and perceived barriers. The study found that mindfulness can help manage health after neurological injury, but initial meditation sessions might reactivate trauma and grief. Mindfulness supports the resolution of grief and encourages coping and acceptance of neurological impairment.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

8 mindfulness teachers (5 females, 3 males) with neurological injury

Evidence Level

Qualitative study, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Key Findings

1
Mindfulness supports health self-management after neurological injury, but meditation can initially reactivate trauma and grief.
2
Two key themes emerged: Overcoming a disrupted biography and Proactive self-management, highlighting the challenge of adjusting to a 'new' identity.
3
Mindfulness can help individuals separate their health status from their self-concept, focusing on the present moment and fostering acceptance.

Research Summary

The study explored the role of mindfulness in managing symptoms associated with sensory loss, focusing on experienced mindfulness practitioners with neurological disorders. Two superordinate themes were identified: Overcoming a Disrupted Biography and Proactive Self-management, reflecting the challenges of using mindfulness for self-management. The study highlights the potential of mindfulness in helping individuals accept their health status, manage grief, and regain a sense of control over their well-being.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice Adaptations

Sensitivity should be maintained when working mindfully in the context of sensory loss, allowing space for exploration and resolution of health-related grief.

Self-Management Techniques

There is a need to increase the repertoire of self-management techniques for patients with mobility and sensory limitations.

Future Research

Future research could identify whether acceptance and psychological flexibility are widely experienced, irrespective of skilled or non-skilled mindfulness practice.

Study Limitations

1
The sample was limited to highly experienced mindfulness teachers, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings.
2
Snowball sampling may have introduced selection bias.
3
The themes represent only one possible interpretation of the data, due to the use of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

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