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The moderation of Mindfulness‐based stress reduction effects by trait mindfulness: Results from a randomized controlled trial

Shauna L. Shapiro, Kirk Warren Brown, Carl E. Thoresen, Thomas G. Plante

Journal of Clinical Psychology December 22, 2010 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.20761 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 30
Population Adults
Intervention Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
Duration 12-month follow-up
Topics Meditation
Citations 448
Key findings Individuals with higher pretreatment trait mindfulness benefited more from MBSR, showing larger increases in mindfulness, well-being, empathy, and hope, and larger declines in perceived stress up to one year later.

Abstract

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has shown effectiveness for a variety of mental health conditions. However, it is not known for whom the intervention is most effective. In a randomized controlled trial (N = 30), we explored whether individuals with higher levels of pretreatment trait mindfulness would benefit more from MBSR intervention. Results demonstrated that relative to a control condition (n = 15), MBSR treatment (n = 15) had significant effects on several outcomes, including increased trait mindfulness, subjective well-being, and empathy measured at 2 and 12 months after treatment. However, relative to controls, MBSR participants with higher levels of pretreatment mindfulness showed a larger increase in mindfulness, subjective well-being, empathy, and hope, and larger declines in perceived stress up to 1 year after treatment.