Acceptance and mindfulness-based therapies appear to work partly by increasing mindful attention, decentering, and acceptance, which in turn reduce anxiety and depression. A meta-analysis of 33 randomized controlled trials (30 independent trials) found that these three processes together had a small-to-medium mediating effect on treatment outcomes. However, the type of mediation analysis mattered: studies using correlation-based methods found significant mediating effects, while those using causal time-lag analyses did not. The specific role of each mediator could not be determined. Limitations in the number and design of available studies prevent firm conclusions about whether these processes are unique or causal.
A therapist-assisted internet-delivered mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (iMBCT) program, developed with input from cancer survivors, reduced anxiety and depression in cancer survivors who have limited access to face-to-face psychological treatment.
A mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting program (MBCP) reduced perceived stress and depressive symptoms more than a standard Lamaze childbirth class among first-time pregnant women at risk of perinatal depression. Compared to the control group, MBCP also increased positive states of mind and self-reported mindfulness. Changes in mindfulness, especially non-reactivity and non-judging of inner experience, appeared to mediate the improvements in stress, depression, and positive mood.