Comparing the Effect of Group and Individual Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy on Happiness of Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Iran.
Basad Terikani, Parvin Abedi, Maryam Gholamzadeh Jofreh, Maryam Dastoorpour, Poorandokht Afshari
Health science reports April 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.70649 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 48 |
| Population | Postmenopausal women aged 50-64 years, 1-10 years after menopause, with low happiness scores |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy |
| Duration | 8 sessions, with follow-up at 1 month |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Happiness Post menopause |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Both group and individual MBCT counseling significantly increased happiness scores in postmenopausal women, with no significant difference between the two methods. |
Abstract
Happiness is an important factor for decreased quality of life in some postmenopausal women. This study aimed to compare the effects of group and individual mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (MBCT) on the happiness of postmenopausal women. This was a randomized controlled trial of 48 postmenopausal women who received group or individual MBCT counseling. Literate postmenopausal women aged 50-64 years, 1-10 years after menopause, and with Happiness Scale scores less than 40-42 were recruited for this study. A demographic questionnaire and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire were used to collect the data. Women in the group counseling group received 8 sessions of counseling according to MBCT, while women in the individual counseling group received counseling individually. Independent t-tests, Chi-square tests and two-way Repeated Measures ANOVA were used to analyze the data. The scores of all components of happiness including self-concept, life satisfaction, mental preparation, active well-being, aesthetic sense, self-efficacy, and hope, increased in both groups immediately after and 1 month after the completion of the intervention. The total happiness score in the group counseling group improved from 33.39 ± 5.57 before the intervention to 48.91 ± 6.77 and 48 ± 6.38 after the intervention and during the follow-up period, respectively (p value < 0.001). These scores in the individual counseling group improved from 32.13 ± 5.40 to 46.04 ± 7.80 and 45.13 ± 7.26 immediately after the intervention during the follow-up period, respectively (p value < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups. Our results showed that although the scores of all components of happiness were slightly greater in the counseling group than the individual group, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Using either method is recommended for increasing the happiness of postmenopausal women.
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
Cites 4
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression. Industrial Psychiatry Journal October 29, 2024
- Effect of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy on Subjective Well-Being and Psychological Distress of Kerman University of Medical Sciences Students Journal of Medical Education May 15, 2022
- How does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy work? Behaviour Research and Therapy August 13, 2010
- The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Therapy on Anxiety and Depression: A Meta-Analytic Review Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology April 1, 2010