Effects of a Body-Based Mindfulness Program on Alexithymia, Dispositional Mindfulness, and Distress Symptoms: A Pilot Clinical Trial.
Rossella Mattea Quinto, Francesca Russo, Francesca Scafuto, Marco Innamorati, Federico Nitamo Montecucco, Silvia Ghiroldi
Behavioral Sciences January 8, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/bs15010055 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 73 |
| Population | Healthy adults |
| Intervention | body-based mindfulness program |
| Duration | One-week post-test |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Alexithymia Body-based mindfulness program Dispositional mindfulness Distress symptoms Healthy adults Mind–body interventions |
| Citations | 10 |
| Key findings | The body-based mindfulness program reduced distress symptoms and alexithymia and improved dispositional mindfulness among healthy adults. |
Abstract
Mind-body practices have shown to be effective in reducing psychological distress and improving well-being and quality of life in clinical samples and healthy populations. We tested the effects of a body-based mindfulness intervention based on alexithymia, distress symptoms, and dispositional mindfulness among healthy adults. A total of seventy-three participants (mean age 40.1) were assigned to a body-based mindfulness program (i.e., experimental group) and the control group (i.e., waiting list). Distress symptoms were assessed with the Symptoms Questionnaire; alexithymia was measured using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale; and dispositional mindfulness was assessed with the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire. Measures were completed at baseline and at one-week post-test. Even when controlling for baseline score, the body-based mindfulness program has shown to be effective in reducing distress symptoms (i.e., anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms) and alexithymia, as well as improving dispositional mindfulness (i.e., observing, acting with awareness, and non-reacting). The findings from this study provide evidence that the body-based mindfulness program may help individuals to integrate bodily expressions, thoughts, and emotions, keeping an integrated sense of self.
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
- A Pilot Feasibility Study of Mindful Walking in Older Adults: Exploratory Bayesian Estimates of Psychological Distress and Alexithymia International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health June 25, 2026
- Mindfulness and Nature as Medicine: Rewilding Health through Caritas Consciousness Mindfulness Across Disciplines [Working Title] October 15, 2026
Cites 19
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin May 14, 2012
- Interoception, contemplative practice, and health Frontiers in Psychology June 9, 2015
- Meta-analytic evidence for effects of mindfulness training on dimensions of self-reported dispositional mindfulness. Psychological Assessment 2016
- Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on alexithymia: a systematic review Evidence-Based Mental Health August 4, 2018
and 14 more in the library