An eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, combined with a four-month maintenance period, improved psychological distress and well-being in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at six months, but did not affect RA disease activity. At two months, no differences were observed between the MBSR group and the waitlist control group. At six months, psychological distress decreased by 35% in the MBSR group, and improvements in well-being were significant. Changes in depressive symptoms and mindfulness were marginally significant. The intervention had no impact on RA disease activity as measured by the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints.
A mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program for HIV-infected and at-risk urban youth aged 13–21 was generally acceptable, with 79% of 33 participants attending most sessions. Among 26 program completers (77% female, all African American, average age 16.8 years), quantitative measures showed significant reductions in hostility, general discomfort, and emotional discomfort. Qualitative interviews with 10 participants indicated perceived improvements in interpersonal relationships, school achievement, physical health, and reduced stress. Due to the small sample and lack of a control group, it cannot be determined whether changes resulted from MBSR or nonspecific group effects.