The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on depression, PTSD, and mindfulness among military veterans: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Wendy Wen Li, Jaime Nannestad, Timothy Leow, Carolyn Heward
Health psychology open 2024 DOI: 10.1177/20551029241302969 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,131 |
| Population | Veterans |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) |
| Topics | Depression Meditation PTSD |
| Keywords | Defence force Mental health |
| Citations | 19 |
| Key findings | MBSR reduced depressive and PTSD symptoms with medium effect sizes in veterans, but effects on PTSD were not maintained at follow-up between groups, and MBSR did not differ from other active therapies. |
Abstract
Thirteen studies were included in the current systematic review and meta-analysis with 1131 participants. Both within- and between-group comparisons demonstrated reductions in depressive and PTSD symptoms with medium effect sizes post MBSR intervention. Additionally, MBSR demonstrated small effects in improving mindfulness in veterans at post-intervention. Maintenance of treatment effects were observed at follow-up for the three outcomes during within-group comparisons. Treatment effects were maintained at follow-up between-groups for depression and mindfulness, but not for PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between MBSR and cognitive behavioural therapy/person-centred group therapy intervention groups in the three outcomes.