Does Mindfulness Training Work to Reduce Anxiety and Depression Symptoms?

Monday - July 10 2023, 23:24 UTC - 1 year ago

A recent University of Cambridge study found that adults who partake in mindfulness courses exhibit less symptoms of anxiety and depression for at least six months after completing the program, compared to those who do not participate. The study concluded that MBPs generated a small to moderate reduction in adults’ psychological distress, with 13% more participants seeing a benefit than those who did not attend an MBP.

A recent study conducted by the University of Cambridge reveals that adults who partake in mindfulness courses exhibit less symptoms of anxiety and depression for at least six months after completing the program, in comparison to those who do not participate. Adults who voluntarily take part in mindfulness courses are less likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression for at least six months after completing the programs, compared to adults who do not take part, a new analysis pooling data from 13 studies has confirmed .

University of Cambridge researchers looked at participants of group-based and teacher-led mindfulness courses, conducted in person and offered in community settings. They say the results, published today (July 10) in the journal Nature Mental Health, should encourage uptake of similar teacher-led programs in workplaces and educational institutions keen to help prevent mental health problems developing in members of their community .

"In our previous work it was still not clear whether these mindfulness courses could promote mental health across different community settings," said lead researcher, Dr. Julieta Galante, who conducted the research while at the University of Cambridge. "This study is the highest quality confirmation so far that the in-person mindfulness courses typically offered in the community do actually work for the average person .

"Mindfulness in these courses is typically defined as "the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment." These courses, formally known as mindfulness-based programs (MBPs), often combine elements of meditation, body awareness, and modern psychology, and are designed to help reduce stress, improve well-being, and enhance mental and emotional "resilience .

" They consist of groups of participants led by mindfulness teachers, who promote reflection and sharing over several one-to-two-hour sessions.The body of research into the effectiveness of MBPs to date has been mixed. Cambridge researchers sought to confirm the effect of MBPs on psychological distress ‒ which encompasses disturbing or unpleasant mental or emotional experiences including symptoms of anxiety and depression .

They pooled and analyzed data from 2,371 adults who had taken part in trials to assess the effectiveness of MBPs. Roughly half the participants had been randomly allocated places on mindfulness programs that lasted for eight weeks, with a one- to two-and-a-half hour session per week and compared them to those that were not through self-reported questionnaires. The study found that MBPs generated a small to moderate reduction in adults’ psychological distress, with 13% more participants seeing a benefit than those who did not attend an MBP .

The researchers found that existing psychological distress, age, gender, educational level, and a disposition towards mindfulness did not change the effectiveness of MBPs.Galante said: "We’ve confirmed that if adults choose to do a mindfulness course in person, with a teacher and offered in a group setting, this will, on average, have a beneficial effect on their mental health and well-being." .