Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) derived from established programs such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Mindfulness-Integrated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy significantly reduce depressive symptoms and improve interoceptive awareness (IA) in adults. Across six studies with 646 participants, IA partially mediated the relationship between MBI participation and depression relief, though only one study directly tested mediation. Effect sizes varied. The review notes limitations including a small number of eligible studies, heterogeneity, and mixed evidence quality. Future research should standardize IA measurement and explore its mediating role further.
Barriers to meditation in the general population include practical challenges like scheduling difficulties and mental health related challenges such as a busy mind, stress, and anxiety. Key facilitators are manageable goal setting, such as short and regular practice, and mindset changes like a better understanding of meditation goals. Most of the 191 participants did not report significant barriers. The findings can inform public health strategies to integrate meditation into daily life, though the predominantly female sample with prior meditation experience limits generalizability.
Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy (MiCBT) produced large reductions in stress and increases in equanimity among 326 adults assessed at two psychology clinics. More severe depression and PTSD diagnoses predicted faster distress reduction, while PTSD and ADHD predicted greater life satisfaction gains. Younger age, lower baseline life satisfaction, and personality disorder diagnosis predicted lower treatment retention. Prior meditation experience increased the likelihood of enrolling in MiCBT but did not affect retention, whereas ADHD diagnosis predicted non-enrolment but not discontinuation after starting.