A pilot randomized controlled trial compared compassion meditation (CM) to a relaxation-based program (Veteran.calm) for veterans with PTSD. Both interventions involved ten weekly 90-minute group sessions. Twenty-eight veterans who attended at least one session completed pre- and posttreatment measures. PTSD symptoms reduced more substantially in the CM group than in the comparison group, with a between-group effect size of -0.85. Credibility, attendance, and satisfaction were similar across conditions, demonstrating the feasibility of CM and the appropriateness of the comparison condition. These initial findings support further research on CM for veterans with PTSD.
A protocol describes the Acting with Mindfulness for Pain (AMP) intervention, which integrates formal mindfulness meditation into acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for chronic pain. The authors argue that formal meditation practice is a necessary component that directly targets key ACT processes and may produce larger improvements in function than standard ACT or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The ongoing pilot randomized controlled trial compares AMP to CBT among 86 Veterans with chronic pain. The trial aims to evaluate feasibility, examine preliminary treatment effects on outcomes such as pain interference, pain acceptance, and quality of life, and determine whether a full-scale trial is warranted.
Compassion meditation, specifically a manualized protocol called Cognitively Based Compassion Training for Veterans (CBCT-Vet), appears acceptable to Veterans with PTSD. In an open trial with 36 Veterans across four groups, participation in 8-10 sessions of CBCT-Vet was associated with reductions in PTSD symptoms and depression, though causality cannot be inferred due to the nonrandomized design. No changes were observed in positive emotion or social connectedness. These preliminary results support further exploration of compassion meditation as part of recovery for Veterans with PTSD.