Delivering a Modified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Intervention for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Adolescents and Young Adults: Assessing Feasibility, Acceptability, and Effectiveness.
Clinical child psychology and psychiatry July 1, 2026 Jacqueline Doyle, Mark Shevlin, Megan Hitchcock et al.
A randomized controlled trial assessed a modified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program for 58 outpatients aged 15 to 24 with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Participants were assigned to eight weekly MBSR sessions or a waiting list. No statistically significant changes were found, but clinical improvements appeared: disease severity (HBI) dropped by 2.96 points (d = .38), quality of life (IMPACT-III) rose by 12.17 points (d = .37), and mindful awareness (MAAS) increased by 0.70 points. Participants enjoyed meeting peers and reported better quality of life and body connection. However, one third (17/49) attended no groups, and recruitment and attrition limited power. The authors caution against mainstream adoption without addressing barriers.