Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Improving Health, Quality of Life, and Social Functioning in Adults

Abstract

Mind‐body interventions to manage stress‐related health problems are of widespread interest. One of the best known methods is mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR), and MBSR courses are now offered by health services, as well as in social and welfare settings. In this systematic review, we report on the effects of MBSR interventions on health, quality of life, and social functioning. From the more than 3,000 potentially relevant references identified in two extensive searches, we included 31 relevant studies with an overall total of 1,942 participants, each of whom had been randomised to receive MBSR or other treatment strategies (most often a waiting list control). We utilised all outcome data published in the selected studies using a new statistical method for calculating the effect size. This method addressed the problems presented by the interdependence of many measurements of outcomes. 26 of the 31 studies were identified as having data suitable for meta‐analysis. MBSR was found to have a moderate and consistent positive effect on mental health outcomes in both patients selected with somatic problems and with mild to moderate psychological problems, and among participants recruited from community settings. MBSR interventions improved outcomes measuring different aspects of personal development and quality of life. The effects on somatic health outcomes were somewhat smaller. No adverse effects were described. Few studies were found that evaluated the impact of MBSR on social functioning, such as the ability to work. Key messages Mind‐body interventions to manage stress‐related health problems are of widespread interest. One of the best known methods is mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR), and MBSR courses are now offered by health services, as well as in social and welfare settings. In this systematic review, we report on the effects of MBSR interventions on health, quality of life, and social functioning. From the more than 3,000 potentially relevant references identified in two extensive searches, we included 31 relevant studies with an overall total of 1,942 participants, each of whom had been randomised to receive MBSR or other treatment strategies (most often a waiting list control). We utilised all outcome data published in the selected studies using a new statistical method for calculating the effect size. This method addressed the problems presented by the interdependence of many measurements of outcomes. 26 of the 31 studies were identified as having data suitable for meta‐analysis. MBSR was found to have a moderate and consistent positive effect on mental health outcomes in both patients selected with somatic problems and with mild to moderate psychological problems, and among participants recruited from community settings. MBSR interventions improved outcomes measuring different aspects of personal development and quality of life. The effects on somatic health outcomes were somewhat smaller. No adverse effects were described. Few studies were found that evaluated the impact of MBSR on so...

Mindfulness in Mental Health: A Critical Reflection

“…Consistent with the emerging empirical evidence [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40] as well as the general consensus of clinicians, researchers, and the general public, it is concluded that MBIs have the potential to play an important role in psychiatric treatment settings as well as in applied psychological settings more generally. However, due to the rapidity at which mindfulness has been taken out of its traditional Buddhist setting, and what is possibly evidence of media and/or scientific hype concerning the potency of mindfulness [5], it is recommended that future research seeks to (i) consolidate and replicate research findings, (ii) assess the maintenance of outcomes over longer time periods, (iii) investigate potential adverse effects, (iv) fully control for potential performance bias in MBI intervention studies, (v) formulate comprehensive training and supervision curricula -that are informed by the traditional meditation literature -for secular MBI instructors, and (vi) investigate the Buddhist position that sustainable improvements to mental (and spiritual) health typically require consistent daily mindfulness practice over a period of many years (i.e., they do not arise after attending eight two-hour classes with some self-practice in between).…”

“…As a consequence of these findings, both the American Psychiatric Association (US) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK) advocate the use of MBCT in the treatment of recurrent depression in adults [3]. There is also preliminary evidence that supports the use of MBIs in the treatment of a broad range of mental health issues including (but not limited to) schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, addiction disorders (both chemical and behavioral), bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and anger dysregulation [33][34][35].…”

Evaluation of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on the Quality of Life and Mental Health of Mothers of Deaf Children

“…These findings are consistent with findings of Fleer et al [35] who reported effectiveness of MBCT for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder and Williams et al [36] reported effectiveness of MBCT for preventing relapse in recurrent depression. And Sedaghati, Younesi and Sedaghati conducted a research on the effectiveness of MBCT on the quality of life in mothers of children with cerebral palsy and their findings revealed that MBCT program improved the quality of life of the participants [37].…”

Well-Being, Mental Health, General Health and Quality of Life Improvement Through Mindfulness-Based Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promising therapeutic outcomes for several psychological and physical disorders, such as chronic pain, depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, and addictions (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20). This intervention aims at alleviating pathogenic agents, while also emphasizing on the capacities of mindfulness-based interventions to optimize psychological and behavioral functioning.…”