A systematic review and meta-ethnographic synthesis of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for people with major depression.
Kate Williams, Samantha Hartley, Susanne Langer, Mizla Manandhar-Richardson, Melissa Sinha, Peter Taylor
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy August 15, 2022 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2773 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Meta-ethnography (qualitative meta-synthesis) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | People with current or previous depression who had participated in MBCT, drawn from 21 qualitative studies |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Treatment outcome Anthropology, cultural Female Cognitive behavioral therapy Major depression Meta-ethnography Meta-synthesis Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Key findings | Across 21 qualitative studies, participants with current or previous depression described becoming skilled and taking action, developing acceptance, and experiencing ambivalence and variability in MBCT. The authors conclude that MBCT is beneficial and provides meaningful change for many but remains challenging for some. |
Abstract
Background: Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a relapse-prevention intervention for people experiencing major depression. Three qualitative meta-syntheses investigating experiences of taking part in MBCT and/or Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) across different diagnostic populations reported themes including control, choice, group processes, relationships and struggles. As multiple studies have been published since, we aimed to update, systematically review and synthesize the experiences of participants with depression taking part in MBCT.
Methods: Four databases were searched systematically (PsycInfo, Web of Science, Medline and CINAHL) up to and including 12 November 2021. Twenty-one qualitative studies met the review criteria. All papers were rated as fair using a quality appraisal tool. Meta-ethnography was applied.
Results: Across 21 studies of participants with current or previous depression who had participated in MBCT, three overarching themes were developed: 'Becoming skilled and taking action', 'Acceptance' and 'Ambivalence and Variability'. Participants became skilled through engagement in mindfulness practices, reporting increased awareness, perspective and agency over their experiences. Participants developed acceptance towards their experiences, self and others. There was variability and ambivalence regarding participants' expectations and difficulties within mindfulness practices.
Limitations: Many studies were conducted in MBCT-research centres that may hold conflicts of interest. Many studies did not address the impact of the participant-researcher relationship thus potentially affecting their interpretations. Studies were skewed towards the experiences of female participants.
Conclusions: Our findings help to enhance participant confidence in MBCT, alongside understanding the processes of change and the potential for difficulties. MBCT is beneficial and provides meaningful change for many but remains challenging for some.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Children (MBCT-C): A Clinical Approach for Teaching Mindfulness to Children Neuromethods 2026
- A qualitative exploration into the experience of mindfulness in moderate-severe persistent depression. PLoS One 2025
- Mindfulness-based Practices in Workers to Address Mental Health Conditions: A Systematic Review. Safety and health at work September 1, 2023
- Combining Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy With Escitalopram for Cognitive and Emotional Recovery in Older Adults With Treatment-Resistant Depression. Journal of Clinical Psychology August 1, 2026
- 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
and 1 more in the library
Cites 22
- Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse JAMA Psychiatry April 28, 2016
- The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists PLoS One May 24, 2017
- An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care BMC Psychiatry April 7, 2006
- A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression British Journal of Medical Psychology June 1, 2001
- Participants' Experiences of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: “It Changed Me in Just about Every Way Possible” Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy June 10, 2009
and 17 more in the library