The effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on rumination and related psychological indicators: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Siyi Wei, Weiqi Qin, Zengyan Yu, Yunhua Cao, Ping Li
BMC Psychology August 26, 2025 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-025-03348-x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2,535 |
| Population | Participants in randomized controlled trials examining MBCT on rumination |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Randomized controlled trials Rumination |
| Key findings | MBCT significantly reduced rumination and improved mindfulness, self-compassion, decentering, depressive and anxiety symptoms, with sustained effects at follow-up. |
Abstract
The effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on rumination has been reviewed; however, the findings remain inconclusive. The present research will systematically evaluate the effectiveness of MBCT on rumination and related psychological indicators. We searched the Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Web of Science, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP) for all available records up until December 2024 to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining MBCT on rumination. Rumination scores served as the primary outcome, and the mindfulness, self-compassion, decentering, depression, and anxiety scores served as the secondary outcomes. RevMan and Stata software were applied for data processing. Twenty-nine RCTs comprising 2535 subjects were ultimately selected for analysis. The results revealed that MBCT significantly reduced rumination (SMD = -0.51, 95% CI = [-0.64, -0.39], z = 8.30, P < 0.001), with sustained effectiveness during the follow-up period (SMD = -0.61, 95% CI = [-0.89, -0.32], z = 4.21, P < 0.001). Additionally, we also discovered that MBCT had significant effectiveness on mindfulness (SMD = 0.55, 95% CI = [0.46, 0.63], z = 12.04, P < 0.001), self-compassion (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI = [0.22, 0.96], z = 3.15, P = 0.002), decentering (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI = [0.45, 0.78], z = 7.24, P < 0.001), depressive (SMD = -0.57, 95% CI = [-0.79, -0.34], z = 4.95, P < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (SMD = -0.37, 95% CI = [-0.56, -0.18], z = 3.78, P < 0.001). Funnel plot analysis and Egger's statistical test did not reveal any significant publication bias (t = -1.47, P = 0.154, 95% CI = [-2.20,0.37]). The present findings confirm the feasibility of MBCT in diminishing rumination and enhancing related psychological indicators. Furthermore, these effects were sustained throughout the follow-up period.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- Reinterpretation of Logotherapy’s Dimensional Ontology via Embodied Phenomenology Journal of Humanistic Psychology September 24, 2026
- A Critical Review and 10-Year Update on Prospects for a Clinical Science of Mindfulness-Based Intervention Mindfulness July 7, 2026
- Mindfulness training accelerates anxiety and depression relief via enhanced psychological resilience World Journal of Psychiatry June 30, 2026
- Mediators of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Children and Young People: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Mindfulness May 16, 2026
- Mindfulness and Resilience Intersection of Psychology, Esotericism, and Cultural Development July 16, 2026
and 2 more in the library
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