Effectiveness of an age-modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in improving mental health in older people with depressive symptoms: a non-randomised controlled trial.
Yun-Han Wang, Yun-Lin Wang, Dara Kiu Yi Leung, Zuna Loong Yee Ng, Oscar Long Hung Chan, Stephanie Ming Yin Wong, Raymond Chi Leung Chan, Tianyin Liu, Gloria Hoi Yan Wong, Terry Yat Sang Lum
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies February 26, 2025 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-025-04781-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 112 |
| Population | Older adults recruited from community-based centres for older adults and mental wellness in Hong Kong |
| Intervention | Age-modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 4-week follow-up |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Older adults Social workers Stress |
| Citations | 5 |
| Registration | NCT05995587 |
| Key findings | Age-modified MBCT led by a mindfulness teacher or co-led with a social worker significantly reduced depressive symptoms and stress and increased mindful non-reactivity in older adults compared to care as usual. |
Abstract
Emerging evidence has shown that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is effective in improving depressive symptoms in the older population. However, the accessibility to MBCT is limited by the shortage of psychotherapists or mindfulness teachers. One potential solution is to involve social workers, who have the knowledge and skills to promote individual and community well-being in various settings, in delivering modified MBCT to enhance its accessibility and sustainability. This study examined the effectiveness of an eight-week age-modified MBCT led by different mental health professionals (mindfulness teacher only vs. mindfulness teacher and social worker) in improving mental health outcomes as compared with a control group. Older adults (N = 112) were recruited through five community-based centres for older adults and mental wellness in Hong Kong. Participants were allocated to one of three groups: (1) mindfulness teacher-led modified MBCT, (2) social worker/teacher co-led modified MBCT (50% led by social workers and 50% led by mindfulness teacher), or (3) control (care as usual). The age-modified MBCT consisted of eight weekly sessions, with age-related modifications including more sitting meditation, shortened duration of each session, and the removal of the retreat. Outcome variables (i.e., depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, and mindfulness) were assessed at baseline (T0), after the intervention (T1), and four weeks after the intervention (T2), through self-reported questionnaires. Linear mixed models were performed while controlling for demographic variables to examine changes in outcome variables between the groups. Participants from the age-modified MBCT intervention groups (teacher-led and social worker/teacher co-led) showed significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms and stress, as well as greater increase in mindful non-reactivity, compared to the control group post-intervention. No significant interaction effect of time and group was found for anxiety and both overall mindfulness and its other facets. The improvements in mental health and mindfulness outcomes post-intervention were not significantly different between the teacher-led and social worker/teacher co-led MCBT groups. Age-modified MBCT is beneficial in managing depressive and stress symptoms and in improving mindful non-reactivity among older adults at risk for depression. The findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of partial task-shifting in the delivery of MBCT to trained social workers. Future studies may explore the possibility for social workers in leading MBCTs independently to further improve its scalability and service accessibility for older adults in the community. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05995587. Retrospectively registered on 16 August 2023.
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 2
- Peer-supported mindfulness-based intervention for managing depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Contemporary Clinical Trials June 20, 2025
- Evaluating the Digital Delivery of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Elderly Mental Health: An Experimental Study Research Square January 19, 2026
Cites 11
- Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Depression and Anxiety in Late Life: A Meta-Analysis. Alpha psychiatry 2024
- Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on mental, cognitive outcomes and neuroplastic changes in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing May 29, 2023
- The effects of mindfulness meditation versus CBT for anxiety on emotional distress and attitudes toward seeking mental health treatment: a semi-randomized trial. Scientific Reports November 16, 2022
- Improving depressive symptoms and maintaining cognitive abilities of seniors within the nursing homes: A pilot study of brief mindfulness-based interventions for seniors in a semi-randomized trial. Frontiers in Psychology 2022
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Late-Life Depression: a Randomised Controlled Trial. East Asian Archives of Psychiatry June 1, 2021
and 6 more in the library