The relational dimension in mindfulness intervention effects: results of a randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting.
Heidemarie K Laurent, Katherine L Haigler, Marissa D Sbrilli, Kento Suzuki, Larissa G Duncan
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth May 10, 2025 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-025-07676-z (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Anxious birthing-people in the perinatal period |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) |
| Duration | Pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month postnatal follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Longitudinal Perinatal Randomized controlled trial Relational |
| Citations | 5 |
| Registration | NCT05241600 |
| Key findings | Relational benefits of prenatal mindfulness training depend on birthing-people's baseline risk characteristics and practice dosage, with significant effects on both individual and relational outcomes for those with lower sociodemographic risk but elevated anxiety at baseline and for those with greater mindfulness practice engagement. |
Abstract
Although secular mindfulness interventions draw from contemplative traditions emphasizing relationality, evidence for impacts of such interventions on relational outcomes remains inconsistent. This study was designed to clarify conditions under which mindfulness training can improve relational functioning in a perinatal context where quality of relationship-building carries particularly important consequences for intergenerational health. We used a randomized controlled trial to test effects of prenatal participation in Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) vs. community birthing classes on trajectories of anxious birthing-people's individual (dispositional mindfulness, mental health, parenting stress) and relational (mindfulness in parenting, compassion, bonding with the fetus/infant) functioning across pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month postnatal follow-up assessments. Multilevel growth curve models examined both main effects of intervention and moderation by participants' baseline risk and mindfulness dosage. We found a main effect favoring MBCP on parenting stress only. Moderation models revealed significant effects of MBCP in predicted directions on both individual and relational outcomes for birthing-people with lower sociodemographic risk but elevated anxiety at baseline, as well as for those who engaged more with mindfulness practice both during and following the class. This study shows relational benefits of prenatal mindfulness training depend on birthing-people's baseline risk characteristics and practice dosage. Insight into sources of differential impact can guide further targeting and adapting mindfulness interventions to better support well-being in diverse families. This study was registered prospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05241600 (protocol identifier 19,461 starting 12/1/2018 at IL site and identifier 19,138 starting 1/26/2022 at PA site).
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Mindfulness for maternal health: A systematic umbrella review of effectiveness for addressing depression and anxiety symptoms Journal of Affective Disorders Reports October 11, 2026
- Reconnecting with the Self and Fetus through Mindfulness: Supporting Inner Balance and Bonding during Pregnancy Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar April 14, 2026
- Qualities of early caregiving and children's development of self-beyond-self: possibilities at the intersection of developmental and contemplative science Child Development Perspectives January 7, 2026
Cites 13
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse JAMA Psychiatry April 28, 2016
- Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review British Medical Bulletin April 21, 2021
- Individual participant data systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials assessing adult mindfulness-based programmes for mental health promotion in non-clinical settings. Nature Mental Health July 10, 2023
- A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for major depressive disorder in undergraduate students: Dose- response effect, inflammatory markers and BDNF. Psychiatry Research 2024
and 8 more in the library