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The aim of this article was to systematically review the quality and efficacy of the current evidence for mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), patients with dementia (PwD), and their caregivers. We identified 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (11 for patients, 9 for caregivers) published in the last 15 years. Evidence suggested that MBIs are highly acceptable and credible treatments for patients with MCI, PwD and caregivers. Specifically, for PwD, the results indicated that the magnitude of post-treatment effects of MBIs are in the medium to large range for psychosocial outcomes, and in the small to medium range for cognitive functioning; however, treatment effects on dementia biomarkers were mixed, ranging from small to large, depending on the outcome measure. Findings also evidenced salutary effects of MBIs for caregivers of PwD, with post-treatment effects ranging from medium to large for caregiver stress and burden and large effects for quality of life, and mixed outcomes for cognitive functioning, with effects in the small to large range. However, confidence in these findings is relatively limited due to methodological limitations, especially in terms of poor consistency in intervention strategies, outcome measures, and other key criteria across studies. To better assess the value of MBIs for these populations and optimize treatment outcomes, we recommend further research with improved study methodology (e.g., multi-method assessment, universal criterion and outcome measures, use of active control groups, larger sample sizes, long-term follow-up) to replicate current findings and enhance our understanding of underlying treatment mechanisms of MBIs.

Prior research has indicated that exposure to multiple types of trauma is associated with increased trauma symptomatology and other psychological problems (Follette, Polusny, Bechtle, & Naugle, 1996). However, research is limited regarding mechanisms that underlie this relationship. Rumination has been proposed to explain the link between trauma exposure and later symptoms (Michael, Halligan, Clark, & Ehlers, 2007). Moreover, related findings suggest that rumination can be reduced by mindfulness practice that enhances the present-moment focus of attention and a nonjudgmental stance toward one’s inner experiences (Kearney, McDermott, Malte, Martinez, & Simpson, 2012). The present study tested whether exposure to multiple types of trauma is positively associated with trauma-related symptomatology and psychological distress. We also tested 2 mediating models examining the role of rumination and mindfulness in relation to trauma. In a self-report study, nontreatment-seeking college students (N = 157) rated the number of types of trauma exposure, rumination, mindfulness, trauma symptoms, and psychological distress they had experienced. Results showed that having experienced multiple types of trauma was associated with more severe trauma symptomatology and psychological distress. Bootstrap analyses for indirect effects indicated that rumination mediated the effect of the number of trauma types on trauma symptomatology and psychological distress. In addition, rumination mediated the inverse relationship between mindfulness and trauma outcomes. Despite several limitations, the findings of the current study highlight the importance of providing treatment that addresses rumination and mindfulness.

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Recent national survey data suggest that lifetime prevalence of mental disorders are on the rise in South Korea while utilization of mental health services remains low. These results are disconcerting, and it is critical to find ways to increase access to mental health services and service utilization. One emerging solution is to provide psychological intervention via the Internet, and wide use of computer and mobile devices makes video-counseling a low-cost alternative to traditional face-to-face psychotherapy. In the current study, a total of 190 adults completed a questionnaire assessing the history of mental illness, experience with psychotherapy, and attitudes towards video-counseling, mainly focusing on treatment needs, future service utilization, effectiveness, and cost. Results suggest that participants endorsed the pros more strongly than the cons of video-counseling. Specifically, participants reported accessibility, privacy, and convenience as major strengths, and provider credentials and reduced confidentiality as major weaknesses. Limitations of the current study and recommendations for implementing online counseling service are further discussed.