A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Among People Recovering from Mental Illness: A Tailored Mindfulness-Based Intervention versus Relaxation Training.
Yi Ting Daphne Cheng, Kim Wan Daniel Young, Per Carlbring, Yat Nam Ng, Suet Lin Shirley Hung
Journal of evidence-based social work (2019) 2024 DOI: 10.1080/26408066.2023.2281418 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot mixed methods randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 28 |
| Population | People with mental illness |
| Intervention | Relaxation training |
| Duration | Post-intervention and one-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mental illness Mindfulness-based intervention Mixed methods Relaxation Self-compassion |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | The tailored mindfulness-based intervention (REMIND 2.0) led to significant and sustained improvements in personal recovery and multiple well-being outcomes compared to relaxation training, except for anxiety and stress. |
Abstract
This study assessed the potential effectiveness, acceptability and feasibility of a tailored mindfulness-based intervention (MBI, REMIND 2.0) for personal recovery among people with mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this pilot mixed methods randomized controlled trial, participants were assigned to either the MBI (n = 14) or the relaxation training (RT) (n = 14). Quantitative measures were used to assess primary outcomes, including personal recovery, mindfulness, self-compassion, resilience, and secondary outcomes, including depression, stress, anxiety, positive and negative moods, quality of life and general health at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1) and one-month follow-up (T2). Quantitative interviews were conducted to explore the experiences and perceptions toward the MBI. Results indicated significant group and time interactions for all outcomes except anxiety and stress. MBI participants showed significant improvements in all outcomes at T1, which were maintained at T2, except for positive mood. RT participants showed a significant decline in resilience but significant improvements in all secondary outcomes at T1, but all outcomes significantly declined at T2, except for anxiety and stress. MBI participants were receptive toward the programme in all aspects of personal recovery. The tailored MBI is a potentially effective, feasible and acceptable approach to facilitate personal recovery among people with mental illness. Differences between MBI and RT are discussed.
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
- The effectiveness of second-generation mindfulness interventions on anxiety and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review February 1, 2026
- Adding Anxiety-Specific Practice to a Brief Audio-Based Mindfulness Intervention for Anxiety in Undergraduate Students: A Pilot Study Journal of Experimental Psychopathology July 1, 2025
Cites 15
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation versus relaxation training: Effects on distress, positive states of mind, rumination, and distraction Annals of Behavioral Medicine February 1, 2007
- Loving-kindness and compassion meditation: potential for psychological interventions. Clinical Psychology Review July 26, 2011
- What defines mindfulness-based programs? The warp and the weft Psychological Medicine December 29, 2016
and 10 more in the library