Preventing Depression Relapse: A Qualitative Study on the Need for Additional Structured Support Following Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.
Chelsea J Siwik, Shelley R Adler, Patricia J Moran, Willem Kuyken, Zindel V. Segal, Jennifer N. Felder, Stuart J. Eisendrath, Frederick M Hecht
Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health 2023 DOI: 10.1177/27536130221144247 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 34 |
| Population | MBCT graduates and teachers |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Depression relapse Maintenance program Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Citations | 7 |
| Key findings | MBCT graduates and teachers expressed a strong need and desire for a maintenance program to help sustain mindfulness practice and long-term benefits after the core MBCT course. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an effective group intervention for reducing rates of depression relapse. However, about one-third of graduates experience relapse within 1 year of completing the course. The current study aimed to explore the need and strategies for additional support following the MBCT course. We conducted 4 focus groups via videoconferencing, two with MBCT graduates (n = 9 in each group) and two with MBCT teachers (n = 9; n = 7). We explored participants' perceived need for and interest in MBCT programming beyond the core program and ways to optimize the long-term benefits of MBCT. We conducted thematic content analysis to identify patterns in transcribed focus group sessions. Through an iterative process, multiple researchers developed a codebook, independently coded the transcripts, and derived themes. Participants said the MBCT course is highly valued and was, for some, "life changing." Participants also described challenges with maintaining MBCT practices and sustaining benefits after the course despite using a range of approaches (ie, community and alumni-based meditation groups, mobile applications, taking the MBCT course a second time) to maintain mindfulness and meditative practice. One participant described finishing the MBCT course as feeling like "falling off a cliff." Both MBCT graduates and teachers were enthusiastic about the prospect of additional support following MBCT in the form of a maintenance program. Some MBCT graduates experienced difficulty maintaining practice of the skills they learned in the course. This is not surprising given that maintained behavior change is challenging and difficulty sustaining mindfulness practice after a mindfulness-based intervention is not specific to MBCT. Participants shared that additional support following the MBCT program is desired. Therefore, creating an MBCT maintenance program may help MBCT graduates maintain practice and sustain benefits longer-term, thereby decreasing risk for depression relapse.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being. Journal of Clinical Medicine March 3, 2025
- Effects of mindfulness-based intervention on teachers' work stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Work June 3, 2026
- Evaluating the Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Alleviating Depressive Symptoms, Reducing Rumination, and Preventing Relapse Among the Institutionalized Patients in Nigeria: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Social Psychiatry December 29, 2025
- Acceptability, Practicality and Preliminary Indications of Efficacy of a Blended Individual Mindfulness Intervention for Patients with Persistent Depression Mindfulness July 1, 2025
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression, Taking It Further (MBCT-D-TiF): An Assessment of an Intervention Development Study. Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health 2025