Effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction in a community sample over 2 years.


Author: Madson L1, Klug B, Madson L, Stimatze T, Eness-Potter K, MacDonald J

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Department of Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003 USA. E-MAIL: lmadson@nmsu.edu.
Conference/Journal: Ann Clin Psychiatry.
Date published: 2018 Feb
Other:
 Volume ID: 30   ,  Issue ID: 1   ,  Pages: 52-60   ,  Word Count: 154  
    BACKGROUND: Although numerous studies have demonstrated that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) improves clinical and nonclinical outcomes, few studies have followed MBSR participants for >12 months, and few have analyzed post-intervention home practice.



METHODS: We followed a community sample of 247 self-referred adults for 2 years after completion of an 8-week MBSR program. Dependent variables, including self-reported anxiety, depression, perceived wellness, mindfulness, and duration and frequency of continued home practice, were measured before and after the program and every 6 months after.



RESULTS: Participants reported significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety, increased perceived wellness, and increased mindfulness after the 8-week intervention compared with preintervention reports. These improvements persisted for 2 years. Correlations between post-intervention home practice and mindfulness indicated that individuals who continued to practice developed greater mindfulness, which was associated with improved mental health and wellness.



CONCLUSIONS: Participants who completed the MBSR program reported significant improvements in anxiety, depression, perceived wellness, and mindfulness during the program.



PMID: 29373618