%0 Journal Article
%@ 2368-7959
%I JMIR Publications
%V 6
%N 8
%P e15048
%T A Test of Feasibility and Acceptability of Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Women and Men at Risk for High Stress: Pilot Study
%A Jabson Tree,Jennifer M
%A Patterson,Joanne Gayle
%+ Department of Public Health, University of Tennessee, 370 HPER, 1914 Andy Holt Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37996, United States, 1 865 974 0796, jabstree@utk.edu
%K sexual minority
%K lesbian
%K gay
%K bisexual
%K psychological stress
%D 2019
%7 16.08.2019
%9 Original Paper
%J JMIR Ment Health
%G English
%X Background: In conservative and rural areas, where antidiscrimination laws do not exist, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people are at risk for excess stress arising from discrimination. Stress-reducing interventions delivered via innovative channels to overcome access barriers are needed. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of online mindfulness-based stress reduction (OMBSR) with LGB people in Appalachian Tennessee at high risk for stress. Methods: In 2 pilot studies involving pre-post test designs, participants completed 8 weeks of OMBSR, weekly activity logs, semistructured interviews, and surveys of perceived and minority stress. Results: Overall, 24 LGB people enrolled in the study and 17 completed OMBSR. In addition, 94% completed some form of mindfulness activities daily, including meditation. Participants enjoyed the program and found it easy to use. Perceived stress (Cohen, perceived stress scale-10) decreased by 23% in women (mean 22.73 vs mean 17.45; t10=3.12; P=.01) and by 40% in men (mean 19.83 vs mean 12.00; t5=3.90; P=.01) between baseline and postprogram. Women demonstrated a 12% reduction in overall minority stress (Balsam, Daily Experiences with Heterosexism Questionnaire) from baseline to 12-week follow-up (mean 1.87 vs mean 1.57; t10=4.12; P=.002). Subscale analyses indicated that women’s stress due to vigilance and vicarious trauma decreased by 21% and 20%, respectively. Conclusions: OMBSR may be a useful tool to help LGB people reduce general and minority-specific stress in socially conservative regions lacking antidiscrimination policies. 
%M 31420955
%R 10.2196/15048
%U http://mental.jmir.org/2019/8/e15048/
%U https://doi.org/10.2196/15048
%U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31420955