Bidirectional relationships between mindfulness and symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum.
Izaskun Orue, Oiana Echabe-Ecenarro
Journal of reproductive and infant psychology May 7, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2025.2502378 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 347 |
| Population | Pregnant women |
| Duration | Evaluations at 26 weeks gestation, two weeks postpartum, and six weeks postpartum |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Pregnancy Postpartum |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Higher levels of non-judging mindfulness during pregnancy predicted reduced depression symptoms at two weeks postpartum, and depressive symptoms during pregnancy predicted reduced mindfulness capacities in the postpartum period. |
Abstract
Perinatal anxiety and depression are significant public health concerns with the potential to affect maternal and infant well-being; therefore, it is crucial to identify protective factors. This study explores the reciprocal relationship between dispositional mindfulness and symptoms of anxiety and depression throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. In a sample of 347 women, mindfulness traits were evaluated at 26 weeks of gestation and two weeks postpartum, while anxiety and depression symptoms were evaluated at 26 weeks of gestation and at two and six weeks postpartum. The results indicate that higher levels of non-judging mindfulness during pregnancy predicted reduced depression symptoms at two weeks postpartum, and similarly, higher levels of non-judging mindfulness at two weeks postpartum predicted lessened depression symptoms at six weeks postpartum. Moreover, depressive symptoms during pregnancy predicted reduced mindfulness capacities (non-judging of and non-reactivity to inner experience) in the postpartum period. These findings underscore the importance of promoting mindfulness during pregnancy as a means to prevent and manage postpartum mood disorders, highlighting the dynamic interplay between mental health symptoms and mindfulness traits.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Antidepressant effects of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a preliminary report Patients with a depressive disorder | 2015 | Observational study | |
| Patterning of Cognitive and Somatic Processes in the Self-Regulation of Anxiety: Effects of Meditation versus Exercise Regular practitioners of physical exercise or meditation | 1978 | Retrospective study | n = 77 |
| Dynamic coupling of whole-brain neuronal and neurotransmitter systems Healthy humans | 2020 | Observational study | |
| Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study Randomly selected United States adults | 2015 | Observational cohort | n = 135,095 |
Citations in the library
Cites 17
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Scrutinizing the Components of Mindfulness: Insights from Current, Past, and Non-meditators Mindfulness July 5, 2018
- Effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on depression in pregnant women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders May 1, 2024
and 12 more in the library