How Does MBCT for Depression Work? Studying Cognitive and Affective Mediation Pathways
PLoS One August 23, 2013 T. Batink, F. Peeters, N. Geschwind et al.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) reduces depressive symptoms and prevents relapse in major depressive disorder. In a study of 130 participants, changes in mindfulness skills, worry, and momentary positive and negative affect mediated MBCT's effect on residual symptoms. For patients with two or fewer prior depressive episodes, cognitive changes were the primary mediators; for those with three or more episodes, only changes in affect significantly mediated the therapy's effect.