Differentiating mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy clinically: the why, how, and what of evidence-based practice.
Sarah E B Francis, Frances Shawyer, Bruno Cayoun, Andrea Grabovac, Graham Meadows
Frontiers in Psychology 2024 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1342592 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Mindfulness-based programs Transdiagnostic |
| Citations | 20 |
| Key findings | MBCT is well-supported for preventing depressive relapse but has a single-disorder focus, while MiCBT shows promise for transdiagnostic use but requires more high-quality evidence. |
Abstract
It is important to be able to differentiate mindfulness-based programs in terms of their model, therapeutic elements, and supporting evidence. This article compares mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), developed for relapse prevention in depression, and mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy (MiCBT), developed for transdiagnostic applications, on: (1) origins, context and theoretical rationale (why), (2) program structure, practice and, professional training (how), and (3) evidence (what). While both approaches incorporate behavior change methods, MBCT encourages behavioral activation, whereas MiCBT includes various exposure procedures to reduce avoidance, including a protocol to practice equanimity during problematic interpersonal interactions, and a compassion training to prevent relapse. MBCT has a substantial research base, including multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses. It is an endorsed preventative treatment for depressive relapse in several clinical guidelines, but its single disorder approach might be regarded as a limitation in many health service settings. MiCBT has a promising evidence base and potential to make a valuable contribution to psychological treatment through its transdiagnostic applicability but has not yet been considered in clinical guidelines. While greater attention to later stage dissemination and implementation research is recommended for MBCT, more high quality RCTs and systematic reviews are needed to develop the evidence base for MiCBT.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 16
- The relationship between neuroticism as a personality trait and mindfulness skills: a scoping review Frontiers in Psychology November 15, 2024
- Mindfulness and CBT: a conceptual integration bridging ancient wisdom and modern cognitive theories of psychopathology. Frontiers in Psychology 2024
- Cultivating Resilience: Meta-Analysis of Mindfulness-Based Training for Nurse Stress and Burnout Mitigation. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services May 14, 2025
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Depressive Symptoms and Their Relationship to Interoceptive Awareness: A Systematic Review. Alpha psychiatry December 1, 2025
- Mindfulness and meditation: Promoting emotional and cognitive health. Progress in Brain Research 2025
and 11 more in the library
Cites 41
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2000
- Mindfulness Interventions Annual Review of Psychology September 30, 2016
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2004
- Metacognitive awareness and prevention of relapse in depression: Empirical evidence. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2002
and 36 more in the library