Participants' Experiences of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: “It Changed Me in Just about Every Way Possible”
Mark Allen, Andrew Bromley, Willem Kuyken, Stefanie J. Sonnenberg
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy June 10, 2009 DOI: 10.1017/s135246580999004x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | People with recurrent depression who participated in MBCT classes in a primary care setting |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy |
| Duration | 12-month follow-up after treatment |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 158 |
| Key findings | Participants described four key themes of their MBCT experience: control, acceptance, relationships, and struggle. |
Abstract
Background: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a promising approach to help people who suffer recurrent depression prevent depressive relapse. However, little is known about how MBCT works. Moreover, participants' subjective experiences of MBCT as a relapse prevention treatment remain largely unstudied.
Aim: This study examines participants' representations of their experience of MBCT and its value as a relapse-prevention program for recurrent depression.
Method: Twenty people who had participated in MBCT classes for recurrent depression within a primary care setting were interviewed 12 months after treatment. The focus of the interview was on participants' reflections on what they found helpful, meaningful and difficult about MBCT as a relapse prevention program. Thematic analysis was used to identify the key patterns and elements in participants' accounts.
Results: AND
Conclusions: Four overarching themes were extracted: control, acceptance, relationships and struggle. The theoretical, clinical and research implications are discussed.