Differentiating mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy clinically: the why, how, and what of evidence-based practice

Abstract

It is important to be able to differentiate mindfulness-based programs in terms of their model, therapeutic elements, and supporting evidence. This article compares mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), developed for relapse prevention in depression, and mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy (MiCBT), developed for transdiagnostic applications, on: (1) origins, context and theoretical rationale (why), (2) program structure, practice and, professional training (how), and (3) evidence (what). While both approaches incorporate behavior change methods, MBCT encourages behavioral activation, whereas MiCBT includes various exposure procedures to reduce avoidance, including a protocol to practice equanimity during problematic interpersonal interactions, and a compassion training to prevent relapse. MBCT has a substantial research base, including multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses. It is an endorsed preventative treatment for depressive relapse in several clinical guidelines, but its single disorder approach might be regarded as a limitation in many health service settings. MiCBT has a promising evidence base and potential to make a valuable contribution to psychological treatment through its transdiagnostic applicability but has not yet been considered in clinical guidelines. While greater attention to later stage dissemination and implementation research is recommended for MBCT, more high quality RCTs and systematic reviews are needed to develop the evidence base for MiCBT.

Mindfulness and self-regulation intervention for improved self-neglect and self-regulation in diabetic older adults

“…Specifically, a study by Jiang et al focused on older people with diabetes and indicated positive outcomes related to mindfulness practices in managing diabetes and improving overall well-being among diabetic older adults 23 . Another study evaluated the effectiveness of a mindfulness program for older adults with type 2 diabetes living in long-term care facilities, showing positive effects of the mindfulness program on emotional well-being and self-regulation in this group 24 Additionally, the study by Li et al in 2023 found that self-regulation interventions for diabetes management in older people and found that interventions led to increased knowledge, attitude, and self-management behavior scores over time in the experimental group 25 . Another study demonstrated that tailored self-management training programs designed for diabetic older adults can lead to significant improvements in self-management behaviors and glycemic control 26 .…”

“…To function effectively, the mind needs to be organized and free from disruptions like preoccupied-mind syndrome or cognitive distortions 24 . Mindfulness practices, commonly used in cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help organize and enhance thinking processes by freeing the mind from unhelpful thoughts, ultimately enhancing the capacity for self-regulation 25 . Mindfulness training has been linked to improvements in emotion regulation, executive functions, and neurocognitive control processes, all of which contribute to enhanced self-regulation abilities across various domains of life 26 .…”