Research / Science

Overview

A number of meta-analyses of the scientific research literature (Hoffman et al., 2010; Koury et al., 2013; Piet & Hougaard, 2011) have shown that the clinical program, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) reduces the risk of depression relapse by 43% for those whom have experienced more than 3 previous episodes, and mindfulness-based interventions have generally been shown to be effective for reducing anxiety, depression and stress. However, much more research is required to determine the efficacy of MBCT/MBSR and related mindfulness programs for specific problems beyond depression relapse prevention and stress reduction (Dimidjian and Segal, 2015).

 

Websites for Further Reading

• Centre for Investigating Healthy Minds: https://www.investigatinghealthyminds.org/
• The American Mindfulness Research Association: https://goamra.org/
• Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice, Bangor University: https://www.bangor.ac.uk/mindfulness/
• Positive Psychology: www.ppc.sas.upenn.edu/index.html
• You-tube video on the science of mindfulness.

 

Additional References

• Baer, R. A. (2003). Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10 (2), 125-143.
• Craigie, M. A., Rees, C., Marsh, A., & Nathan, P. (2008). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for generalized anxiety disorder: A preliminary evaluation. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 36, 553-568.
• Craigie, M. A., Rees, C., Marsh, A, & Nathan, P. (2005). Mindfulness training for generalized anxiety disorder: Investigating changes in perceived control, fear of emotions, and intolerance of uncertainty. Paper presented at the European Association for Behaviour and Cognitive Therapy 35th Annual Conference, Thessaloniki Greece.
• Davidson et al. (2003). Alterations in brain and immune function produced by mindfulness meditation. Psychosomatic Medicine, 65, 564-570.
• Dimidjian, S. & Linehan, M. M. (2003). Defining an agenda for future research on the clinical application of mindfulness practice. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10 (2), 166-171.
• Grossman et al. (2004). Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits: A meta analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine, 57, 35-43.
• Ree, M. & Craigie, M. A. (2007). Outcomes following mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in a heterogeneous sample of adult outpatients. Behaviour Change, 24 (2), 70-86.
• Teasdale, J. D. et al. (2000). Preventing relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychiatry, 68, 615-623.
• Teasdale, J. D., Segal, Z., & Williams, M. G. (2003). Mindfulness training and problem formulation. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10, 157-106.
• Teasdale, J. D., Moore, R. G., et al. (2002). Metacognitive awareness and prevention of relapse in depression: Empirical evidence. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70 (2), 275-287.