Effectiveness of a Sound Bowl Meditation on Caregiver Stress and Anxiety

Being a primary caregiver for a family member or friend can be physically and emotionally demanding leaving little time for the unpaid caregiver's professional pursuits, personal appointments, and self-care. Primary caregivers are often overwhelmed, and experience stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Passive activities that require no physical or mental exertion may provide support and can help improve overall well-being. Sounds from crystal sound bowls and other instruments combined with guided meditations have been found to promote relaxation and to reduce stress and anxiety. Participants can sit in a chair or lie on a yoga mat, supported by pillows and blankets, to enhance comfort and rest. Eye masks can also be used to minimize light and promote peacefulness. The purpose of this study is to assess if a weekly Sound Bowl Meditation, offered over the course of 6 weeks and provided by a certified Sound Bowl practitioner, can help decrease caregiver stress and anxiety related to the role as a primary caregiver.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adults age 18 years and older 2. Primary, unpaid caregiver of a family member (spouse, sibling, parent, child, etc.) or an unrelated adult (friend) who is chronically ill and/or disabled 3. Primary, unpaid caregiver has provided care to family member or an unrelated adult for a minimum of six months 4. Normal hearing capacity with or without corrective hearing aids 5. Availability and willingness to participate in the six week sound bowl meditation intervention 6. Access to a smartphone or personal electronic tablet with adequate WiFi access and a personal email 7. Willingness and ability to download the MyCap app to complete study surveys Exclusion Criteria: 1. Professional and/or paid caregivers 2. Inability to read and/or understand English (consent, study instructions, and questionnaires in English)