Author: Kimbrough E, Magyari T, Langenberg P, Chesney M, Berman B.
Affiliation: Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 2200 Kernan Drive, Baltimore, MD 21207-6665, USA. ekimbrough@compmed. umm.edu
Conference/Journal: J Clin Psychol
Date published: 2010 Jan
Other:
Volume ID: 66 , Issue ID: 1 , Pages: 17-33 , Word Count: 130
Twenty-seven adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse
participated in a pilot study comprising an 8-week mindfulness meditation-based
stress reduction (MBSR) program and daily home practice of mindfulness skills.
Three refresher classes were provided through final follow-up at 24 weeks.
Assessments of depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
anxiety, and mindfulness, were conducted at baseline, 4, 8, and 24 weeks. At 8
weeks, depressive symptoms were reduced by 65%. Statistically significant
improvements were observed in all outcomes post-MBSR, with effect sizes above
1.0. Improvements were largely sustained until 24 weeks. Of three PTSD symptom
criteria, symptoms of avoidance/numbing were most greatly reduced. Compliance
to class attendance and home practice was high, with the intervention proving
safe and acceptable to participants. These results warrant further
investigation of the MBSR approach in a randomized, controlled trial in this
patient population.