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The protective value of trait mindfulness for mothers' anxiety during the perinatal period.

Anna F Leyland, Myrthe G. B. M. Boekhorst, Julia E Offermans, Lisa-Marie Emerson, Lianne P Hulsbosch, Eva S Potharst

Acta Psychologica October 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.104034 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Longitudinal study Peer reviewed
Population Pregnant women
Duration 12, 22, and 32 weeks of pregnancy and 6 weeks postpartum
Topics Anxiety Meditation
Keywords Mothers Partner support Pregnancy Stress Trait mindfulness
Citations 5
Key findings Non-judging, a facet of trait mindfulness, showed the largest protective effect against anxiety and pregnancy-specific distress compared to partner involvement and other known risk factors.

Abstract

Anxiety is highly prevalent in the perinatal period and can have negative consequences for the mother and the child. Extensive research has been done on risk factors for anxiety during the perinatal period, but less is known about protective factors. The current study aims to determine the relative contribution of trait mindfulness as a protective factor for anxiety. A longitudinal study design was used, with four measurement points: 12, 22, and 32 weeks of pregnancy (T0, T1, and T2, respectively), and 6 weeks postpartum (T3). General anxiety was measured at T1, T2, and T3, pregnancy-specific distress was measured at T1 and T2, mindfulness facets (acting with awareness, non-reacting, and non-judging) and partner involvement were measured at T1, and other known risk factors for anxiety were measured at T0. Multilevel regression models were used for statistical analyses. Mindfulness facets measured at T1 were negatively associated with anxiety at T1, T2, and T3, and pregnancy-specific distress at T1 and T2. Of the mindfulness facets, non-judging was shown to have the largest protective effect against anxiety and pregnancy-specific distress. Also compared to partner-involvement and known risk factors, non-judging showed the largest effect on anxiety and pregnancy-specific distress. For pregnant women who are at risk for developing or experiencing high levels of anxiety, it may be beneficial to participate in a mindfulness training with special attention for the attitudinal aspects of mindfulness.

Comparable studies

Other observational and cohort studies on anxiety, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia 1992 Observational cohort n = 22
Antidepressant effects of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a preliminary report Patients with a depressive disorder 2015 Observational study
Patterning of Cognitive and Somatic Processes in the Self-Regulation of Anxiety: Effects of Meditation versus Exercise Regular practitioners of physical exercise or meditation 1978 Retrospective study n = 77
Dynamic coupling of whole-brain neuronal and neurotransmitter systems Healthy humans 2020 Observational study
Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study Randomly selected United States adults 2015 Observational cohort n = 135,095

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